Wearable communication platform

ABSTRACT

An wearable communications garment that includes one or more user-selectable inputs integrated into the garment. A sartorial communications apparatus may include a flexible material that is worn (e.g., as an undergarment) by the user and includes one or more interactive sensors that may be manually activated by a user, even through one or more intervening layers of clothing. The apparatus may also include one or more additional body sensors configured to sense a user&#39;s position, movement, and/or physiological status. The sensor(s) may be connected via a conductive trace on the garment to a sensor module for analysis and/or transmission. Methods of manufacturing the garments as well as methods of using the garments are also described.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/699,440, filed Sep. 11, 2012 andtitled “SMARTWEAR SYSTEM,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/862,936, filed on Aug. 6, 2013, and titled “WEARABLE COMMUNICATIONPLATFORM.” The disclosures of each of these applications areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specificationare herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the sameextent as if each individual publication or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The invention is a wearable communication platform that can communicatewith a user and others, detect and respond to signals from the user(e.g. from a wearable electronics based garment) and perform otheruseful functions.

BACKGROUND

In the last twenty years, the development of mobile telecommunicationsdevices have has dramatically expanded and modified the ways in whichpeople communicate. Computers with ever-faster computer processorsenabled faster communication with increased processing speed andimproved analysis of vast quantities of data. In addition, sensortechnology has also rapidly expanded how patients have been monitored,even by non-professionals. The development of various sensors enabled avariety of measurements to be taken and analyzed by a computer togenerate useful information. In recent years, the use of medical sensingtechnology in combination with various communications platforms hasprovided new and interesting ways for people, including patients, to bemonitored or to monitor themselves and communicate the results of themonitoring with their physician or caregiver. For example, mobiledevices such as smart phones have enabled mobile device users tocommunicate remotely and provided some ability to obtain, analyze, use,and control information and data. For example, a mobile device user maybe able to use application software (an “app”) for variousindividualized tasks, such as recording their medical history in adefined format, playing a game, reading a book, etc. An app may workwith a sensor in a mobile device to provide information that a userwants. For example, an app may work with an accelerometer in a smartphone and determine how far someone walked and how many calories wereburned during the walk.

The use of a mobile communications platform such as a smartphone withone or more such biometric sensors have been described in variouscontexts. For example, US2010/0029598 to Roschk et al. describes a“Device for Monitoring Physical Fitness” that is equipped with a heartrate monitor component for detecting heart rate data and an evaluationdevice for providing fitness information that can be displayed by adisplay device and is derived by a processing unit, embodied for readingin and including supplementary personal data. US2009/0157327 to Nissiladescribes an “Electronic Device, Arrangement, and Method of EstimatingFluid Loss” that is equipped with “an electronic device comprising: aprocessing unit configured to receive skin temperature data generated bya measuring unit, to receive performance data from a measuring unit, andto determine a theoretical fluid loss value on the basis of the receivedperformance data.”

Similarly, clothing that includes sensors have been previouslysuggested. See, e.g., US2007/0178716 to Glaser et al., which describes a“modular microelectronic-system” designed for use with wearableelectronics. US2012/0071039 to Debock et al. describes interconnect andtermination methodology fore-textiles that include a “conductive layerthat includes conductors includes a terminal and a base separatelyprovided from the terminal. The terminal has a mating end and a mountingend.” US2005/0029680 to Jung et al. describes a method and apparatus forthe integration of electronics in textiles.

Unfortunately, the use of garments including one or more sensors thatmay sense biometric data have not found widespread use. In part, thismay be because such garments may be limited in the kinds and versatilityof the inputs that they accept, as well as limits in the comfort, andform factor of the garment. For example, sensors, and the leadsproviding power to and receiving signals from the sensors have not beenfully integrated with the garment in a way that allows the garment to beflexible, attractive, practical, and above all, comfortable. Forexample, most such proposed garments have not been sufficientlystretchable. Finally, such proposed garments are also limited in thekind of data that they can receive, and how they process the receivedinformation.

Thus, existing garments (e.g., devices and wearable sensing apparatuses)and processes for analyzing and communicating the physical and emotionalstatus of an individual may be inaccurate, inadequate, limited in scope,unpleasant, and/or cumbersome. The wearable communication platformdescribed herein may solve some or all of the problems identified above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to a wearable communication platform thatmay detect and respond to signals from the user (e.g. from a wearable“intelligent” garment) and that can communicate with the user (and/orothers) and may perform other useful functions. Also described hereinare methods of making and using such a wearable communication platform.For example, such a communication platform may be configured toaccurately detect, process, compare, transfer and communicate, in realtime, physiological signals of the wearer (such as a person, an animal,etc.). A wearable communication platform may include an intelligentgarment that is a wearable item that has one or more sensors (such asfor sensing a condition of a user) and that is capable of interactingwith another component(s) of an intelligent apparel platform to create acommunication or other response or functionality based on the senseobtained by the sensor. Any of the garments described herein typicallyrefer to an item that can clothe a user's body, but for purposes herein,a garment may, in some variations, be understood to include any itemcapable of including the same features described herein. Thus, a garmentmay include footwear, gloves, and the like. In some variations thegarment is specified as a particular type of garment, such as anundergarment, and may be adapted for use in that context (e.g.,operating through additional layers of clothing, etc.). A wearablecommunication platform may include a wearable intelligent garment;sensors on the garment; flexible conductive connectors on the garment,and optionally a sensor module for managing the sensors and an output,such as a haptic output or audio (e.g., music) output based on sensorinput and which may be on the intelligent garment or may be separatefrom it. When the sensor module and/or output are separate from thegarment, the garment may be specifically adapted forconnection/communication or to secure to the sensor module and/oroutput. For example, the apparatus (garment) may include a holder,pocket, connector region, base, etc., for interfacing specifically withthe sensor module and/or output (or input/output module).

In some variations the wearable communication platform refers to asartorial communications apparatus. Such wearable communicationsapparatus may be referred to as continuously conforming to the wearer'sbody. As used herein “continuously conform” may mean conforming andcontacting to the skin surface, at least over a region of a materialthat conforms. For example, a garment that is configured to continuouslyconform may include an inner surface (with sensors) that is held againstthe skin. Such a garment does not have to be tight or clinging, but maybe biased against the skin over all or a majority of the garment.Continuously conforming may refer to the fact that the sensor-containingregions of the garment conforms to the skin even as the subject moveswhile wearing the garment. In a continuously conforming garment, aportion of the garment (e.g., less than 30%, less than 20%, less than10%, etc.) may be more loosely conforming—e.g., underarms, lower back,joints (elbow, shoulders, etc.).

As used herein “physiological status” may refer to any parameterindicating the physiological status of the user. Typically relates tophysiological characteristics including vital signs, autonomic response,and the like.

As used herein a “body sensor” generally determines information aboutthe user without requiring the users conscious input. A body sensor maydetect physiological status, including vital signs (pulse/heart rate,blood pressure, body temperature, galvanic skin response (e.g., sweat),etc.). A body sensor may detect user position (e.g., arm position, bodyposition in space, posture, etc.). A body sensor may detect usermovement (e.g., movement of individual body parts (arms, legs, etc.)and/or movement of the entire user (e.g., rate of motion, direction ofmotion, altitude, etc.).

As used herein, an interactive sensor may mean a sensor that is manuallyactivated sensors that may be activated by touch. This may also bereferred to herein as volitional touch. Examples of volitional touchinclude manually touching a sensor or sensor contact region with a hand,foot, or other body part to cause activation of the sensor. Examples ofwhat is not meant by volitional touch may include incidental contactbetween the wearer's (users) body when wearing the garment. In somevariations the interactive sensors are touch point triggers or touchpoint sensors. “Manually activated” may refer to a pushing, rubbing,touching, tapping, or otherwise contacting with the hand or (in somevariations) other body part(s), such as the foot, arm, leg, face, jaw,nose, etc. In general volitional (manual) activation is performedconsciously by the user, and may in some variations also oralternatively be referred to as conscious or intentional activation. Forexample, the user may touch an interactive sensor with his/her hand fora period of time (e.g., seconds) to send a signal from that touch point.The signal may be coordinated with one or more other volitionalactivations, from the same or additional interactive sensors.Combinations or patterns of manual activation may be used to communicateor signal.

A wearable communication platform may include an intelligent garmentwhich may be any type of comfortable, conformable, and/or flexiblegarment. A wearable communication platform may include a garmentconfigured to be a shirt, pants, shorts, hat, etc. As mentioned, awearable communication platform may be configured to conform to a user'sbody. A wearable communication platform may hold or contain sensorswhich may be attached, for example, to an outside or to an inside of agarment or otherwise integrated into the garment. A wearablecommunication platform may include flexible conductive connectors thatmay carry a sensor signal from a sensor on the garment to a sensormodule or to another connector, such as a Kapton® connector.

A wearable communication platform may include sensors on or formed aspart of a garment which may be useful for providing signals to or froman intelligent communication platform. Such sensors may include bodysensors, interactive (e.g., touchpoint or touch point) sensors, and/orhaptic sensors. A body sensor may sense a user's aspect, such as auser's position, a user's movement, and/or a user's physiologicalstatus.

A wearable communication platform useful for producing/outputtingsignals may include a flexible conductive connector for transferring asignal between sensor and a sensor module or away from a sensor module.A conductive trace useful as a flexible conductive connector may includea conductive media (conductive ink) and an insulator.

A wearable communication platform may include a sensor module that is inproximity with, attached to, or within the rest of the garment and maybe configured (either alone, or in conjunction with another component)to generate an output, such as a haptic output or an audio and/or visualoutput based on sensor input(s). The output, which may include aspeaker, haptic output or the like, may be on the garment, integratedwith the garment, or it may be separate from it.

A wearable communication platform may also include: specially designedapparel and/or accessories, an intelligent garment platform powerdistribution and conductive control system that controls theapparel/accessory and interfaces with a sensor module, an internet orother communication system for interacting directly with a cloud, anenabled intelligent device such as an smart phone (iPhone, Android,etc.) and that may be a separate device or built into the apparel, andmay be running specially developed software applications for functionalactivity, data capturing and analysis, validation, programming,downloading and uploading, activations, social connectivity, sharing,and distribution, and/or a feedback mechanism for consumer, commercial,medical, and industrial applications. In some variations the sensormodule is a smartphone adapted for use with the wearable communicationplatform, e.g., running a program (e.g., an app) that configures thesmartphone to communicate (input and/or output) with the wearablecommunication platform, including receiving and/or processing inputsfrom the wearable communication platform.

One aspect of the invention provides a flexible garment configured tocontinuously conform to a user's body when the garment is worn by theuser, the garment including a body sensor on the garment configured tosense one of a user's position, a user's movement, and a user'sphysiological status and thereby generate a body sensor signal; aconductive trace on the garment, connected with the sensor andconfigured to communicate the body sensor signal from the body sensor toa sensor module for analysis; and an interactive sensor on the garmentconfigured to transmit an interactive sensor signal to the sensor modulewhen the user's hand activates the interactive sensor to control anaudio output and/or a visual output in response to the interactivesensor signal.

A flexible garment may include a shirt, pants, underwear, a hat, etc. Itmay be made of any comfortable material that can support components suchas haptic actuators, sensors, and a sensor module. Such components maybe flexible and/or conformable in one or more dimensions so as tomaintain the comfort of the garment. A flexible garment may be wornunder a user's regular street clothes or it may be worn on the outsidewhere it may be visible to others. A conductive trace may be, forexample, a conductive media (a conductive ink), a conductive cable,conductive metal particles, etc. An interactive sensor may, for example,be activated by a touch of a user's hand or by near proximity of auser's hand. An output may be any sort and may be on an intelligentgarment such as a video screen, may be on a communication collarconnected with the garment and configured to provide an audio signal toa user's ears, on a smart phone, on a separate speaker, etc.

In some embodiments, the flexible garment includes a compressivematerial. In some embodiments, the flexible garment is configured toexpand and contract. In some embodiments, the flexible garment includesa first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis whereinthe garment is configured to change in size along the first axis and tosubstantially maintain a size along the second axis. In someembodiments, flexible garment includes at least one of pants, a shirt,or shorts. In some embodiments, the flexible garment includes a shirthaving a front and a back, and further includes a pocket configured tohold a sensor module on the back of the shirt.

In some embodiments, the body sensor is in electrical contact with theskin of the individual. In some embodiments, the sensor includes one ofan accelerometer, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, anelectroencephalography sensor (EEG), and a respiratory sensor. In someembodiments, the body sensor includes a first sensor, and the garmentfurther includes a second sensor configured to sense one of a user'sposition, a user's movement, and a user's physiological status andthereby generate a second body sensor signal. In some embodiments, theconductive trace is configured to conform to the user's body when theflexible garment is worn by the user. In some embodiments, theconductive trace is on a surface of the garment. In some embodiments,the flexible garment further includes a seam enclosing the conductivetrace.

In some embodiments, the interactive sensor is configured to transmit afirst interactive sensor signal when the user's hand activates theinteractive sensor once and to transmit a second interactive sensorsignal when the user's hand activates the interactive sensor twice insuccession wherein the first interactive sensor signal is different fromthe second interactive sensor signal. In some such embodiments, theflexible garment further includes a plurality of interactive sensorswherein the first interactive sensor is configured to send a firstinteractive sensor signal and the second interactive sensor isconfigured to send a second interactive sensor signal which is differentfrom the first interactive sensor signal. In some of these embodiments,the interactive sensors are on a front of the garment.

In some embodiments, the sensor module is configured to control amicrophone or a music playing device in response to the interactivesensor signal.

In some embodiments, the garment, the body sensor, the conductive trace,and the interactive sensor are configured to withstand immersion inwater. Thus, in general, the wearable communication platforms describedherein may be washed (e.g., washed in water).

The interactive sensor may be configured to be activated by a user'shand through an intervening layer of clothing.

Another aspect of the invention provides a flexible, compressive shirtconfigured to continuously conform to a user's body when worn by theuser, including: a plurality of body sensors on the front of the shirteach configured to sense a user's physiological status and therebygenerate a plurality of physiological sensor signals; a plurality ofbody sensors on each sleeve of the shirt each configured to sense auser's motion and thereby generate a plurality of motion sensor signals;a plurality of elongated conductive traces on the garment each containedin a seam, the traces running from a plurality of body sensors in asubstantially vertical direction to the sensor pocket and configured tocommunicate the sensor signal from the sensor to a sensor module foranalysis; and an interactive sensor on the front of the garmentconfigured to transmit an interactive sensor signal to the sensor modulewhen the user's hand activates the sensor with a touch.

A flexible, compressive shirt may be configured to move with a user'sbody. A body sensor may be, for example, a printed sensor or a physicalsensor and may be sufficiently flexible or extensible in at least onedirection in order to maintain the flexibility of the shirt. A bodysensor may be, for example an accelerometer, a gyroscope, amagnetoscope, and may detect, for example, a user's respiratory rate,heart rate, skin conductivity, movement, position in space, inspiratorytime, expiratory time, tidal volume, perspiration, pulse, moisture,humidity, elongation, stress, glucose level, pH, resistance, motion,temperature, impact, speed, cadence, proximity, flexibility, movement,velocity, acceleration, posture, relative motion between limbs andtrunk, location, responses to transdermal activation, electricalactivity of the brain, electrical activity of muscles, arterial oxygensaturation, muscle oxygenation, oxyhemoglobin concentration,deoxyhemoglobin concentration, etc. A sensor module may be configuredfor managing and controlling power, body sensors, memory, external data,interactive sensors, body “expressions”, feedback, transdermal controlprocesses, module enhancements, social media, software development, etc.An interactive sensor (“touchpoint”) may be activated by touching or byrelative proximity of a user's hand or other item (even though one ormore layer of clothing).

Another aspect of the invention provides a flexible garment configuredto continuously conform to a user's body when the garment is worn by theuser, the garment including: a body sensor on the garment configured tosense one of a user's position, a user's movement, and a user'sphysiological status and thereby generate a body sensor signal; aconductive trace on the garment, connected with the sensor andconfigured to communicate the body sensor signal from the sensor to asensor module for analysis; an interactive sensor on the garmentconfigured to transmit an interactive sensor signal to the sensor modulewhen the user's hand activates the interactive sensor wherein the sensormodule is configured to control an audio output and/or a visual outputin response to the interactive sensor signal; and a pocket on the backof the garment configured to hold the sensor module.

Another aspect of the invention provides a wearable flexible garmentplatform for communicating a wearer's condition including: a wearableflexible garment including: body sensor on the garment configured tosense one of a wearer's position, a wearer's movement, and a wearer'sphysiological status and thereby generate a body sensor signal; aconductive trace on the garment, connected with the sensor andconfigured to communicate the body sensor signal from the sensor to asensor module for analysis; an interactive sensor on the garmentconfigured to transmit an interactive sensor signal to the sensor modulewhen the wearer's hand activates the interactive sensor wherein thesensor module is configured to control an audio output and/or a visualoutput in response to the interactive sensor signal; a pocket on thegarment configured to removably contain the sensor module; and a sensormodule for receiving the body sensor signal from the body sensor,processing the signal to generate an output signal, and outputting theoutput signal to thereby provide a feedback output.

In some embodiments, the wearable flexible garment is configured tocontinuously conform to a wearer's body when the flexible garment isworn by the wearer. In some embodiments, the garment is configured to beworn on the wearer's torso.

In some embodiments, the flexible garment includes a plurality of bodysensors for generating a plurality of body sensor signals, and the bodysensors are connected with a plurality of conductive traces, wherein thesensor module is configured to receive the plurality of signals from theplurality of conductive traces and process the signals to generate afeedback output wherein the feedback output comprises one of an audiooutput, a visual output, and a tactile output. Some such embodimentsfurther include one of a speaker and an earphone connected with thesensor module wherein the audio output comprises a music outputconfigured to be sent to the earphone or speaker.

In some embodiments, the output signal is configured to be sent toanother individual, a computer, or a website.

In some embodiments, the wearable flexible garment further includes ahaptic actuator configured to provide a tactile sensation to the wearerbased on the output signal.

Some embodiments further include a second wearable flexible garment inelectrical communication with the first garment. In some suchembodiments the first garment includes a shirt and the second garmentincludes one of pants or shorts.

Some embodiments further include a communications device including: acollar comprising a microphone or a speaker and configured to wrappartially around a wearer's neck; and a base region connected with thecollar and configured to connect with and provide electricalcommunication between the sensor module and at least one of amicrophone, an earphone, and a speaker.

Also described herein are methods of manufacturing the garmentsdescribed herein. For example, a method of manufacturing a flexiblecompressive garment including the steps of: placing a first insulatingfluid media onto a substrate, the fluid comprising an adhesive; placinga conductive material on the first insulating fluid media to therebycreate a conductive material electrical trace; solidifying the firstinsulating fluid media to create a first flexible insulator region andthereby generate a flexible transfer comprising a conductive materialelectrical trace wherein the transfer is configured to be removed intactfrom the substrate; removing the transfer from the substrate; placingthe transfer on a flexible compressive garment; attaching the transferto the flexible garment; electrically connecting the transfer to asensor on the flexible garment wherein the transfer is configured to beconnected with a sensor module.

A flexible transfer may be manufactured separately on a substrate andsubsequently transferred to an intelligent garment. Such a trace may beplace on the outside of the garment, on the inside of a garment, or inbetween two or more layers. A trace may be elongated, a plate or seriesof plates, a spiral, a zigzag etc.

In some embodiments, the solidifying step includes generating aconformable transfer. Some embodiments further include the step ofplacing a second insulating fluid media on the conductive material afterthe solidifying step, the method further comprising solidifying thesecond insulating fluid media to thereby create a second flexibleinsulator region. In some such embodiments, the first insulating fluidmedia and the second insulating media include the same material.

In some embodiments wherein the conductive material includes aconductive fluid media, the method further includes solidifying theconductive fluid media. In some embodiments placing a conductivematerial on the first insulating fluid includes placing conductiveparticles on the first insulating media. In some embodiments, placing aconductive material includes placing a conductive wire on the firstinsulating media.

In some embodiments, attaching the transfer to the flexible garmentincludes adhering the transfer with an adhesive. In some embodiments,attaching the transfer to the flexible garment includes sealing thetransfer in a seam in the garment.

A method of manufacturing a sartorial communications apparatus includinga flexible compressive garment and one or a plurality of sensors mayinclude: placing an insulating fluid media onto a transfer substrate,the fluid comprising an adhesive; placing a conductive material on thefirst insulating fluid media to create a conductive electrical trace;solidifying the first insulating fluid media to create a flexibleinsulated connective trace; and removing the insulated conductive tracefrom the transfer substrate and attaching the insulated conductive traceon a flexible compressive garment.

Any of the methods of manufacturing a wearable communications platform(e.g., sartorial communications apparatus) may include placingadditional insulating fluid media on the conductive material andsolidifying the second insulating fluid media. The conductive materialmay comprise a conductive fluid media, and any of the methods mayfurther comprise solidifying the conductive fluid media. Placing aconductive material on the insulating fluid may comprise placingconductive particles on the insulating media. Placing a conductivematerial may comprise placing a conductive wire on the insulating media.

Attaching the transfer to the flexible garment may comprise adhering theinsulated conductive trace to the garment with an adhesive. Attachingthe transfer to the flexible garment may comprise sealing the insulatedconductive trace in a seam in the garment. In general, removing theinsulated conductive trace from the transfer substrate and attaching theinsulated conductive trace on the flexible compressive garment maycomprise applying heat to transfer the insulated conductive trace to thegarment.

Another aspect of the invention provides a wearable communicationsdevice including: a collar configured to wrap at least partially arounda user's neck and to hold a shape and including at least one of aspeaker and a microphone; and a base region connected with the collarand configured to provide electrical communication between a sensormodule and the collar wherein the sensor module is configured to connectwith a conformable garment including a plurality of body sensors. Acollar may be configured (and referred to as) an input/output collar.

For example, an output/input collar for a sartorial communicationsapparatus may include: a collar body configured to wrap at leastpartially around a user's neck; a microphone within a housing of thecollar body; and a speaker output within the housing of the collar body;and a base region configured to connect the collar body to a garment andto provide electrical communication between a sensor module on thegarment and the input/output collar when the sensor module is connectedwith a plurality of body sensors on the garment.

In some embodiments, the collar and/or communications device furtherincludes an earphone. For example, the earphone (an audio output) may beconnected with a base region of the collar. Some such embodimentsfurther include a sensor module connected with the base region andconfigured to provide an audio output signal to the base region whereinthe base region is configured to communicate the audio output signal toat least one of the collar and the earphone. In some such embodiments,the sensor module and the base region are rigidly connected together.

As mentioned, the apparatuses described herein may be washed. Thus, alsodescribed herein are methods of washing any of the wearablecommunications platform apparatus (sartorial communications apparatuses)described herein. A method of washing may include: placing the wearablecommunications apparatus (e.g. having one or more interactive sensors)into an aqueous solution (e.g., a washing machine) with a cleaning agent(e.g., detergent); and moving the garment through the aqueous solutionand cleaning agent; rinsing (e.g., in water), and/or separating theconformable garment from the aqueous solution and cleaning agent; anddrying the conformable garment. The method of washing may also includeremoving an input/output collar and/or removing the sensor module.

In some embodiments, the cleaning agent includes a detergent and themethod further includes rinsing the conformable garment with an aqueoussolution after the separating step.

Methods of using sartorial communications apparatuses are alsodescribed. In general, these devices may be worn by a user (e.g.,subject, person, patient, etc.). The apparatus may be worn with asensing module attached; in some variations this may include placing thesensing module in a pocket or other retainer on the apparatus. Theapparatus maybe worn beneath clothing (as an undergarment). In use, thegarment may sense/detect volitional inputs from the use on one or moretouch points (e.g., an interactive sensor). The apparatus may detect oneor more of a user's body position, movement, and physiological statuswith a body sensor. The sensed information may be passed to the sensormodule through the conductive traces integrated into the garment. Oncereceived by the sensor module, the sensor module may store, analyzeand/or transmit the sensed information. In general the volitionalcontact signal(s) may be used to modify the operation and/or output ofthe sensor module and therefore the sartorial communications device. Thesensor module may prepare an output based on the sensed signal(s). Forexample, the output may be related to the body sensor signal(s).Examples may include outputting an audio and/or visual output. Theoutput may be a representation of the sensed signal (e.g., heartbeat,respiratory rate, etc.) or it may be determined or modified by thesensed signal. For example, the output may be a musical output that iscorrelated with the sensed signal.

Another aspect of the invention provides method of providing feedbackfor encouraging behavior modification. For example, a sartorialcommunications system may be configured to provide biofeedback. In onevariation the system may be configured to help improve posture. Forexample, one method of using the apparatus may include a method ofmodifying a behavior of a person wearing a sartorial communicationsapparatus, wherein the sartorial communications apparatus comprises acompression garment including a haptic feedback and a plurality of bodysensors integrated in the garment. The method may include: sensing oneor more of the person's body position, movement, and physiologicalstatus with the plurality of body sensors; transmitting sensor signalsfrom the body sensors to a sensor module attached to the garment;generating an output signal based on the sensor signals; converting theoutput signal into a feedback for output by the haptic feedback on thegarment; and delivering the haptic feedback to encourage the person tomodify a behavior.

In some embodiments wherein plurality of signals comprises a bodyposition signal, the step of delivering the haptic feedback includesdelivering a vibration to the individual to encourage the individual tochange a position. In some embodiments, communicating the feedbackoutput includes providing a haptic feedback.

Also described herein are sartorial communications apparatuses thatinclude one or more interactive sensors arranged on the garment thatallow the user wearing the garment to provide input to the sartorialcommunications apparatus even through multiple layers of clothing. Forexample, a sartorial communications apparatus may include: a flexiblegarment comprising a fabric; a plurality of interactive sensorsintegrated into the garment, each configured to sense a volitionalcontact by the user and to generate a volitional contact signal when theuser manually contacts one or the interactive sensors; a sensor moduleinterface configured to connect to a sensor module for receiving andanalyzing, transmitting or analyzing and transmitting the volitionalcontact signals; and a plurality of conductive traces on the garmentconnecting the interactive sensors to the sensor module interface.

In any of the sartorial communications apparatus described herein, theapparatus may also include a plurality of surface regions on thegarment, wherein each surface region corresponds to a contact surfacefor one of the interactive sensors. Each of the plurality of surfaceregions may comprise a visual marker on the fabric of the garmentindicating the location of the interactive sensor corresponding to thesurface region. For example, each surface region corresponding to atouch point (interactive sensor) contact surface may be marked by acolor, icon, or the like. In some variations, the contact surfaceinclude a tactile marker, such as a textured or raised region. Thecontact surface of an interactive sensor may be any appropriate size.For example, a contact surface for an interactive sensor may be betweenabout 10 mm and about 150 mm in diameter. In general, an interactivesensor (also referred to as a touchpoint sensor) may be configured sothat it can only be activated by contact with the outwardly-facing sideof the sensor (e.g., the side of the sensor that faced away from thebody when the garment is worn).

Any of the sartorial communication apparatus described herein may alsoinclude at least one body sensor on the garment configured to generate abody sensor signal describing one or more of the user's position, theuser's movement, and the user's physiological status. The body sensormay include one (or more) of: an accelerometer, an electrocardiogram(ECG) sensor, an electroencephalography sensor (EEG), and a respiratorysensor.

In any of the variations of wearable communication platforms (sartorialcommunications apparatuses) described herein the flexible garment maycomprise a compression garment that is configured to continuouslyconform to a user's body when the garment is worn by the user. Ingeneral, the flexible garment may include a first axis and a second axisperpendicular to the first axis wherein the garment is configured tostretch in size in the first axis but not to substantially stretch inthe second axis. The conductive traces may extend substantially in oneaxis (e.g., in the second axis). Alternatively or additionally, thegarment may be configured so that different regions of the garment areconfigured to stretch in a first direction but not in a second(substantially perpendicular) direction, or to not stretch in anydirection; these different regions may be adjacent and the stretch vs.non-stretch regions may have different orientations, so that they do notall extend in the same axis relative to the garment. The conductivetraces may extend substantially along the non-stretch directions of eachregion.

As mentioned, the garment may be configured as any garment type,including, but not limited to, undergarments. For example, the garmentmay be configured as an undershirt. Also in general, the garment of theapparatus may be configured to have a front and a back. The sensormodule interface may include a pocket configured to hold the sensormodule; the pocket may be on the back (e.g., the upper back region) ofthe garment.

In general, the conductive trace may include a conductive ink layer onan inner surface of the garment, an outer surface of the garment, or onthe inner and outer surfaces of the garment. As mentioned, in somevariations the conductive trace is flexible and/or stretchable. In somevariations the conductive trace is flexible but not stretchable. Any ofthe variations of the apparatuses described herein may include a seamenclosing the conductive trace.

In any of the variations described herein, an interactive sensor may beconfigured to transmit a first interactive sensor signal when manuallyactivated by a first pattern of contact and to transmit a secondinteractive sensor signal when manually activated by a second pattern ofcontact, wherein the first interactive sensor signal is different fromthe second interactive sensor signal. For example, the sensor may beconfigured so a single touch will send a first signal and a series oftwo touches within a certain time period may result in a second(distinct from the first) signal.

The interactive sensors may be placed anywhere on the garment. Forexample, the interactive sensors may be arranged on a front of thegarment.

In general, the interactive sensor are configured to be manuallyactivated by a user even through an intervening layer of clothing. Thismeans that even when a user is wearing the sartorial communicationsapparatus underneath another garment or garments (e.g., a shirt), avolitional contact to the sensor (e.g., the region of the sensor overthe contact surface) on the shirt over the garment forming the sartorialcommunications apparatus may result in activation of the touch pointsensor.

The interactive (touch point) sensors described herein may comprisecapacitive or inductive sensors.

A sartorial communications apparatus may include an undershirtcomprising a fabric; a plurality of interactive sensors integrated intothe undershirt, each configured to sense a volitional contact by theuser through an intervening layer of clothing and to generate avolitional contact signal when the user manually contacts one or theinteractive sensors, wherein the interactive sensors are capacitive orinductive sensors; a sensor module interface configured to connect to asensor module for receiving and analyzing, transmitting or analyzing andtransmitting the volitional contact signals; and a plurality ofconductive traces on the garment connecting the interactive sensors tothe sensor module interface.

Methods of communicating with sartorial communications apparatuses arealso described. For example, a method of communicating with a sartorialcommunications apparatus, wherein the sartorial communications apparatuscomprises a garment including an interactive sensor integrated in thegarment and connected via an integrated conductive trace with a sensormodule, may include the steps of: sensing one or more volitional contactsignals with the interactive sensor when a user touches the interactivesensor through an intervening layer of clothing; transmitting thevolitional contact signal from the interactive sensor to the sensormodule; and generating or modifying an output from the sensor module inresponse to the volitional contact signal. The method may also includepresenting the output from the sensor module in response to thevolitional contact signals. For example, the output may comprise anaudible signal, and/or a visible signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe claims that follow. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments,in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIGS. 1A-B show one variation of a wearable communications platformincluding front and back views of a shirt forming the sartorialcommunications apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how a wearable communications platform canbe used for various purposes such as communication.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a wearable communications platform withvarious interconnected apparel items.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a wearable communications platformconfigured as a shirt in a wearable communications platform with variouselements for sensing and communicating.

FIGS. 5A-B show an embodiment of a wearable communications platformhaving multiple, interconnected garments with various elements forsensing and communicating.

FIGS. 6A-E show embodiments of wearable communications platforms usefulfor sensing and various types of communication, including physicalcommunication and feedback.

FIG. 7 shows a collar for use with a wearable communications platformuseful for providing communication.

FIGS. 8A-C show an embodiment of a wearable communications platform forsending heart rate and for communicating. FIGS. 8A-8B show front andback views of a shirt configured as a sartorial communications apparatusincluding a body sensor configured as a heart rate sensor. FIG. 8C showsan embodiment of a body sensor configured as a heart rate sensor.

FIGS. 9A-B show an embodiment of a wearable communications platform fordetecting a user's respiration and for communicating.

FIGS. 10A-B show embodiments of conductive media based systems usefulfor conducting power and data in a wearable communications platform.

FIGS. 11A-B show embodiments of interactive sensors useful for sensingin conjunction with a wearable communications platform.

FIGS. 12A-B show embodiments of interactive sensors, such as for a userto interact with a wearable communications platform.

FIGS. 13A-B show external (outside) and internal (inside) views of anembodiment of a sartorial communications apparatus configured as a shirtwith a plurality of sensors and conductive traces.

FIGS. 14A-B shows embodiments of sartorial communications apparatusesconfigured to include shirts with shirt collars configured forcommunicating between the front and back of the shirt.

FIGS. 15A-D show different views of a wearable communication device.

FIG. 16A shows an example of a wearable communications platformgenerated according to an aspect of the disclosure. FIG. 16B shows dataobtained from a body sensor (configured as a respiratory sensor) such asthe one shown in FIG. 16A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

There is a need for improved communication about an individual'sphysical and emotional status. Such improved communication may beprovided by the wearable communication platform described herein. Such aplatform may provide accurate and multi-faceted communication thatimproves an individual's sense of themselves and their interactions withthe world around them. Such a wearable communication platform may beconfigured to detect and respond to signals from the user (e.g. from awearable electronics based garment platform) and may communicate withthe user and others and may perform other useful functions. Such aplatform may measure and magnify our performance, monitor our health,expand our communication capabilities, enhance our social connectivity,entertain us and more. Wearing such electronics, sensors andcommunication devices/tools allows communication in a distinctive newway. For example, such a communication platform may be able toaccurately detect, process, compare, transfer and communicate in realtime physiological signals of the wearer (such as a person, an animal, aplant, etc.). Such a communication platform may provide more freedom toan individual and may be considered to represent a new wave ofintelligent, personal communication, after the first two “waves” whichmay include computers (first wave) and mobile telecommunications devices(second wave).

A wearable communications platform, as described herein, may provide thefollowing advantages. It may be usable during any normal daily life,including spontaneous activities. It may redefine the meaning ofaccurate evaluations of the current physiological status of anindividual (or nature or other things). It is generally known that aprocess of measuring—in which an individual knows he is beingmeasured—may affect the parameter being measured and therefore cause ameasurement to be less accurate. The process of measuring may generallycause constraints that limit an individual's freedom of movement due tolimitations in the measuring devices themselves (e.g., cumbersomemachines, hanging wires, spending time gluing or attaching sensors) orthe conditions in which the measurements are taken (e.g., a laboratory,or a hospital or a medical facilities habituated by sick people that maygenerate stress, fear or apprehension in the individual being measured).A wearable communication platform may be accurate not only in terms ofthe correspondence of the measurement to the real value, but also interms of correspondence of the detected physiological condition of theindividual who is no longer affected by the taking of measurement. Usinga wearable communication platform, accuracy of measurement may bedirectly related to the increased degree of freedom available whiletaking the measurements. Wearing such electronics, sensors andcommunication devices/tools allows communication in a distinctive newway. An advantage of the wearable communication platform describedherein may be that it improves the way people communicate and live by a)providing accurate information from which they can optimize the way theylive; b) providing instantaneous feed-back so that a user can improvewhile ‘in action’; c) by communicating directly to the body and bybypassing mistaken interpretations of the mind (e.g. computers andmobile devices communicate to the mind). A wearable communicationplatform as described herein may enhance the learning process and theexactitude of what is learned. A wearable communication platform may notcommunicate just to the ears (through voice, sounds, music) and the eyes(images, photos, videos) of the receivers but may also communicatedirectly to their bodies (to their muscles, to their points of stress,to their sensitive points, etc.), for example, to improve movements indaily activities or sports, to correct postures and alignments,breathing, etc. and may optimize physical and mental efficiency (e.g.through haptic activators and sensors). An individual may betterunderstands his emotions and feelings by attentively observing theirmanifestations in their bodies rather than by listening to an emotionalmind that is unduly influence by doubt, fear, aversion, clinging, socialpressure, media brain washing, etc. By listening to the body, anindividual listens to the truth. A wearable communication platform asdescribed herein may provide a real time (e.g. instantaneous) body partspecific feedback so that a user can optimize their efficiency while inaction and keep improving. A wearable communication platform may allowan individual to communicate and share messages, feelings, moods,actions, etc. through interactive sensors (‘touch points’). A ‘touchpoints’ may be a more immediate, more natural and faster communicationand sharing means then are computer typing or mobile dialing or texting.An enhanced accuracy, a capacity to communicate directly to anindividual's body rather than just through the mind, the fact that auser may have instantaneous feedback may provide a wearablecommunication platform as described herein with a fundamental qualitythat further distinguishes it from the previous two platforms ofcommunications: computers and mobiles communicate interpretations of thereality related by journalists, bloggers, users communicating what theypersonally believe is reality. A wearable communication platform asdescribed herein communicates objective, free, scientificallyquantifiable physiological data about people, nature and things. Anenhanced accuracy of the wearable communication platform describedherein may provide a substantial advantage to patients, athletes andothers to maintain an active lifestyle, and improve their health, theirperformances and their efficiency. It may allow people at large tochange the way they express themselves by enhancing and liberating theircreativity: the platform may include algorithms that may help a usertransform their movements into music, their physiological signals intomelodies, messages, perfumes, colors, and may allow them to dance orexecute exercises in coordination, generated instant events, etc. Awearable communication platform may automatically provide an accurate“dairy” of a user's life without them having to write or take notes. Awearable communications platform as described herein may connectfriends, athletes or people with similar interests, activities ordiseases and enhance their social bonds with more intimate communicationand may help them organize events, have virtual competitions or sharetheir most private information.

The wearable communications platforms described herein may also bereferred to as intelligent platforms (intelligent garment platforms,intelligent wear, intelligent apparel, intelligent apparel platforms,intelligent module, smart wear, etc.) or, interchangeably, as “sartorialcommunications apparatuses”.

A wearable communications platform may integrate apparel, a powercontrol system(s), electronics, software, etc. to allow, for example,for on-demand access to new media down-loadable content, up-loadablecontent and/or instructions, sharing technology, and facilitatinglocation based interaction and specific associated content for eachlocation. An intelligent garment platform may be created with printedand physical sensors, conductive and elastic materials and media (inks),electronics, software, and advanced fabrics create and may measure,evaluate and improve a user's life. An intelligent garment platform mayallow for the ongoing development of functional applications that can beadded to the platform, such as on a digital download basis and/or amodular electronic basis. There is a long-felt need to create anintegrated solution for an intelligent, lightweight, comfortable, andintelligent apparel platform and accessories.

One aspect of the invention comprises a wearable flexible garmentplatform for communicating a wearer's condition comprising: a wearableflexible garment comprising: a body sensor on the garment configured tosense one of a wearer's position, a wearer's movement, and a wearer'sphysiological status and thereby generate a body sensor signal; aconductive trace on the garment, connected with the sensor andconfigured to communicate the body sensor signal from the sensor to asensor module for analysis; an interactive sensor on the garmentconfigured to transmit an interactive sensor signal to the sensor modulewhen the wearer's hand activates the interactive sensor wherein thesensor module is configured to control an audio output and/or a visualoutput in response to the interactive sensor signal; a pocket on thegarment configured to contain the sensor module; and a sensor module forreceiving the body sensor signal from the body sensor, processing thesignal to generate an output signal, and outputting the output signal tothereby provide a feedback output. In some embodiments a pocket on thegarment may be configured to removably contain the sensor module.

FIGS. 1A-B shows an overview of how an intelligent wear platform may beused according to one aspect of the invention. FIGS. 1A-1B showembodiments of a flexible garment in the form of front elevation viewsof a shirt to be worn on the wearer's torso. FIG. 1A shows a front viewof an intelligent wear shirt system. FIGS. 1A-B show an intelligent wearmodule, which may be a core of an intelligent system that powers andcontrols all (or many) other elements, both printed and physical, in theapparel. Additionally, a smart module may facilitate some, most or allcommunications with a user's smart phone, computer, or other networkingdevice (e.g. internet access device) or allow for the embeddedcapabilities of these functions within the garment. A module 1 can workalone as a self-contained powered unit, or may work in conjunction withadditional modular elements. A smart module could work in conjunctionwith a battery such as an additional flexible battery and/or modularbattery. Such a battery may be designed to be added to the intelligentwear in a hem, a seam(s), or (another) non-conspicuous location(s) onthe apparel.

As exhibited in reference numerals 12-15 and 17-23, an intelligent andflexible conductive belt can be, for example, be added to or embedded inan item of intelligent apparel. An intelligent and flexible belt cancontain elements that include, but are not limited to, elements tofurther enhance module 1, including an additional memory, battery power,a microprocessor, an accelerometer, and/or Wi-Fi capability, Bluetoothcapability, GPS, a transmitter, AM/FM capability, and a transceiver.

A rear surface image of the apparel, as shown in FIG. 1B, demonstratesreference numerals 24-30 that may offer a variety of user comfortfunctionality that can be utilized together or separately(individually), to supply the intelligent wear user electricalstimulation, vibration, heat, cold, shielding, absorption, etc. When atemperatures sensor senses a temperature drop below or above aparticular (e.g. preset or chosen) level, a system sensor can (e.g.automatically) trigger a printed heat panel(s) or a cold panel(s) toactivate, and they can be further controlled by the intelligent wearuser via a thermostat, a direct temperature control, or via a variety ofprogram options.

A front surface image of an intelligent-apparel garment demonstrates acamera 31 in the apparel, such as a still image camera and/or a videocamera and/or another camera. The camera can be controlled by the useror can be controlled via remote control from another source that theintelligent wear user allows to control the camera, such as via a modulecommunication system, via the internet, via a Wi-Fi connection, or via aBluetooth connection(s).

FIGS. 1A-1B also demonstrate examples of different types of lightingeffects that may be available on an intelligent apparel, such as astrobe light 32 that can also or instead remain on as a solid light, anindicator light 33, and/or a lighting strip(s) 34. Any lighting effectmay be placed on or incorporated into a garment. Each of the lights maybe controllable such as via a set-and-forget program(s), may betriggered on and off, may be set to respond to different sensor inputssuch as time, daylight, absorb ambient light, and may be configured toradiate, glow, etc. Any or all lights may be controllable via a smartmodule 1, and/or may be powered via the smart module 1 and/or may bepowered via a flexible battery 4.

A panel, as indicated in FIGS. 1A-1B, can create and/or store power,and/or may be powered by a (or more than one) solar panel 35.

An electroluminescent panel 36 (an EL panel) may be powered in any way,such as, for example, by a solar panel 35, from a flexible battery 4, orfrom a rechargeable battery (which may be located in the smart module1). Such a panel may respond to a pre-programmed sensor, a transmitter,etc. Each panel can work alone or can work in conjunction with anotherfeature(s).

FIGS. 1A-1B demonstrate a possible placement for an antenna array 37that can work, for example, in both of (or in either of) a transmissionmode and a receiving mode, and may extend the range of another sensor(s)and/or communication forms. In this case, the array may also act as adesign element within a pouch 9 (such as in a created back panel shownin FIG. 1B) or for the pouch 9 (such as on the weatherproof pouch shownin the front view of FIG. 1A). Networking technology 38 can work aloneor in conjunction with antenna array 37 for range extension.Additionally, the intelligent user can work in conjunction with anetworking device 45 (e.g., such as, a computer, a smart phone (theirown smart phone), a tablet) or another cell phone 39 to program, change,modify, or facilitate voice activation commands to control module 1.

A display 40 can provide the intelligent wear user a visual and audibledevice to see feedback, sent data, responses, etc. from any or all thesensors, electronics, inputs, etc. available to the intelligent wearuser, such as alone, or in conjunction with the intelligent wear user'scell phone 39 and/or networking device 45, such as computer, smart phoneor tablet.

An entire intelligent wear system can work alone or in conjunction withone or more of an enhancement accessory 46, such as, for example, awristband or watch. An intelligent accessory (or accessories) can add anadditional functionality to the intelligent system, and can be triggeredto respond to a programmed element(s).

Smart module 1, shown in perspective view, may be wired or wireless, andmay contain the main processing core of an intelligent system thatfacilitates some, most or all sensors, communication links (Bluetooth,cellphone, internet, Wi-Fi, etc.), control, and power distribution.Smart module 1 can be a self-contained unit, and or, be supported bymodular connection elements with enhanced functionality. A module may bewoven into, printed upon, attached to, or otherwise be in proximity withthe apparel. A module can be used as a “hot spot” allowing for multipleinternet or communication tethering access functionality.

FIG. 1A also shows a front view of an interactive sensor 2 (such as aconductive touch point) that can activate a routine in the smart module1 such as via touch, proximity, voice activation, or via a variety ofprogrammable or preprogrammed instructions. An interactive sensor (atouch point) can be located anywhere on the apparel. An interactivesensor (touch point) can, for example, be in a designated area, and maybe printed or affixed on the apparel. An interactive sensor can bevirtual in that a location may be projected or fixed on the apparel suchas in the form of a projection or augmented reality format (for examplevia a camera or projector), and an interactive sensor may be, forexample, triggered by proximity, touch, or voice. Such an interactivesensor may act as a user interface on a shirt (or other intelligent wearaccessory, garment or item). Such an interactive sensor may becustomizable for different uses (such as based on user preference).Different modes of activation of a single sensor (e.g. a single tap, adouble tap; etc.) may lead to different actions. In some embodiments, aninteractive sensor may be configured to transmit a first interactivesensor signal when the user's hand activates the interactive sensor onceand to transmit a second interactive sensor signal when the user's handactivates the interactive sensor twice in succession wherein the firstinteractive sensor signal is different from the second interactivesensor signal. A plurality of interactive sensors may be present. Suchsensors may all be activated by the same type of trigger (e.g. a singletap) but each may control a different action or activity (for example,one sensor may control a phone, another sensor may control messaging)such as through different interactive sensor signals. In someembodiments, the first interactive sensor is configured to send a firstinteractive sensor signal and the second interactive sensor isconfigured to send a second interactive sensor signal which signal isdifferent from the first interactive sensor signal. Two (or more thantwo) sensors may be activated by the same type of trigger (e.g. a singletap) and may control the same action (for example, a sensor on a hem ofa shirt and a sensor on a collar may both be configured to control musicvolume). Different modes of activation of a single sensor may result indifferent interactive sensor signals and different types of action(e.g., a single tap controls music volume and a double tap controlsmessaging). Using an interactive sensor(s), a user may control anyelement that is connected with it, including controlling any otherelements on a connected intelligent garment item and/or any itemsconnected wirelessly with it. For example, an interactive sensor maycontrol a call (activate a call, answer a call, end a call, etc.),control music (bass, musical selection, volume, etc.), control amicrophone, deliver a message, share content, perform a social check-insuch as via a location based service, etc. For social sharing, a usermay choose a delivery method (for example, a proprietary intelligentwear web platform, a call, an email, a Facebook connection, a shortmessage service (SMS), Twitter, etc.). An interactive sensor(s) mayallow a contact to be chosen from any library such as via an intelligentwear application, and control (open) a communication with a simpleinteraction with an interactive sensor (such as with a single tap, adouble tap, a triple tap, a press and hold, a voice command, etc.). Forexample, by tapping on a touch point a climber can share his locationand altitude with his intelligent wear application friends or Facebookfriends. In another example, through a press and hold on a designatedtouch point on a shirt, a user can activate an emergency call (e.g. to911) and immediately get help if in danger.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a variety of different sensor applications 3A on,in, and around the intelligent apparel that may include, but are notlimited to one or more sensors configured to measure respiration, heartrate, pulse, pressure, moisture, humidity, elongation, stress, glucoseand/or pH, wear, resistance, DNA, nerves or nerve activity, muscleactivity, bone stimulation, optics, chemical, motion, thermometer, sleepstate, impact, proximity, flexibility, rotation, and/or any other(diagnostic) element. A piece of apparel may have none, one, or manysensors working separately or in unison. A sensor(s) in conjunction witha software application can be programmed to be both passive in datacollection mode, and active; for example, in that a sensor data responsemay trigger a specific response such as data transmission, lightactivation cameras, stimulators, vibrators, defibrillators, transdermalactivations, etc.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a variety sensors 3B, such as biological sensors,that can be either passive and/or active, such as that they may collect,analyze, transmit and/or respond to a specific biological detection,and/or can trigger one or more of any apparel capability responses.

A flexible battery 4 (or batteries) and (an associated) conductive linkmay make for a primary power source or incremental power in support of amodular power system may be flexible, light weight, expandable, quickconnecting, comfortable, shapeable, and/or otherwise consumer friendly.Power may be wired or wireless and may be fixed or may be rechargeable.

A printed conductive material 5 may, for example, include an ink(media), a dye for a thread and/or embroidery, a printed material thatmay be used to distribute power and communication requirements to allaspects of, and between, sensors, arrays, components, lights,electronics, panels, printed and wired elements in the intelligent wear,both internally and in conjunction with an added accessory.

A woven conductive material 6 may be used alone or in conjunction with aprinted conductive material to be able to design the power points anddistribution requirements in and around the apparel to create, forexample, the most efficient look and/or consumer friendly design, whilekeeping a garment light, washable, and wearable without the need forheavy wired elements. A woven conductive may allow for placement oraffixing of multiple elements onto the apparel.

A conductive strip material 7 and a conductive connector point 8 mayallow for the attachment of modules, sensors, and electronic elementsanywhere along a line of a conductive trace on the intelligent garment.

A weatherproof and/or waterproof pouch or pocket 9 may allow for theaddition of a sensitive electronic or sensor elements and/or storage. Apockets or pouch may be situated in, on, and/or around any portion ofthe internal surface or external surface of an intelligent wear product.

In some embodiments of a wearable garment system, wherein the flexiblegarment comprises a plurality of body sensors for generating a pluralityof body sensor signals, and the body sensors are connected with aplurality of conductive traces wherein the sensor module is configuredto receive the plurality of signals from the plurality of conductivetraces and process the signals to generate a feedback output wherein thefeedback output comprises one of an audio output, a visual output, and atactile output. In some embodiments of a wearable garment system, thewearable garment system further comprises one of a speaker and anearphone connected with the sensor module wherein the audio outputcomprises a music output configured to be sent to the earphone orspeaker.

A speaker 10 may be embedded in, printed on, or attached to the apparelin any area, including but are not limited to a collar section of theintelligent wear, inside a back collar, or inside a collar. A speakermay provide for different sound effects. A speaker may include a baseunit or a stimulator or a vibrator. A speaker may have, but is notlimited to, the form of a printed, a physical, or a wireless speakerattached to the garment, etc.

An auditory receiver 11 (such as an earphone or an earbud) may beattached to the intelligent wear garment. Such forms include, but arenot limited to, fixed, retractable, printed, or physical wire elements,with or without a housing.

A fixed or removable section of a modular element may work alone ortogether with a modular connection point such as added memory 12 orother content storage capacity.

A fixed or removable section of a modular element may work alone ortogether with a modular connection point such as an audio and/or videoplayback device 13 (e.g., an MP3 player or a video player). A piece ofapparel may have such a device designed into it or affixed to it, orsuch a device may be in proximity to the apparel. Such a modular elementmay work alone, or may work in conjunction with another modular element,and may be of a plug-and-play design, with ease of use for connectionand detachment, and may reside in the apparel, hems, etc.

In some embodiments of a wearable garment system, an output signal isconfigured to be sent away from the wearable garment, such as to anotherindividual, to a computer, or to a website.

A fixed or removable section of a modular element may work alone ortogether with a modular connection point such as a microprocessor 14.

A fixed or removable section of a modular element may work alone ortogether with a modular connection point, such as an accelerometer 15.

An intelligent wear garment or system may be controllable using a voicecontrol 16, including but not limited to commands either alone, or inconjunction with other buttons, switches, cell phones, computers, andinternet systems.

A fixed or a removable section of a modular element may work alone ortogether with a modular connection point to facilitate the use of aWi-Fi 17 or enable a Wi-Fi connection with another internal or anexternal element.

A fixed or removable section of modular element may work alone ortogether with a modular connection point to facilitate the use ofBluetooth 18 or enable a Bluetooth connection with another internal orexternal element.

A fixed or a removable section of a modular element may work alone ortogether with a modular connection points to facilitate the use of GPS19 or enable a GPS connections with another internal or externalelement.

Either a fixed or a removable section of a modular element 20 may workalone or together with a modular connection points to facilitate the useof AM/FM/radio waves/frequencies 20 or enable a radio connection withanother internal or external element.

Either a fixed or a removable section of a modular element may workalone or together with modular connection points to facilitate the useof near field technologies 21 or enable near field with another internalor external element.

Either a fixed or a removable section of a modular elements may workalone or together with a modular connection points to facilitate the useof a transceiver 22, a transmitter and/or receiver or to enabletransmission or receiver connections with another internal or externalelement for an item, such as, for example a cell phone signals, a radiofrequencies, a power waves, a diagnostic, etc.

Either a fixed or a removable section of a modular element may workalone or together with a modular connection point to facilitate the useof radiofrequency 23 or enable radiofrequency use with another internalor external element.

A dispenser unit 24 may be configured to dispense a gas and/or a liquid,such as in response to a programmed element or sensor stimulus, manualand automatic response scenarios.

In some embodiments of a wearable garment system, the wearable flexiblegarment further comprises a haptic actuator configured to provide atactile sensation to the wearer based on the output signal.

In some embodiments, a garment may include a stimulator/vibrator 25capability that may be activated, such as by a transcutaneous electricalnerve stimulator (TENS) electrical stimulator, that responds to apreprogrammed element or a bone stimulator for direct placement on aspecific location on the body. An activation signal can, for example, betriggered from a sensor to send a pulse, vibration, or electricalstimulus in response to data to wake somebody up, prevent sleep such asin the case of a transportation environment such as aerospace orautomotive environments to prevent accidents.

In some embodiments, a garment may include a transdermal deliveryfunction 26. Such a delivery system may be triggered by a variety ofinputs that include, but are not limited to voice activation, to sensordata, timing devices, communication, location, etc.

In some embodiments, a garment may include on-demand heating andtreatment capability 27 that may be able to a respond to a preprogrammedelement, voice activation, sensors, thermostat, and may be directlyplaced on a specific location on the body or all around the intelligentwear.

In some embodiments, a garment may include demand cooling and treatment28 capability that may be a used in response to preprogrammed elements,voice activation, sensors, thermostat, and may be directly placedspecific location on the body or all around the intelligent wear.

In some embodiments, a garment may include shielding capability 29 thatmay be configured to respond to a preprogrammed element, voiceactivation, sensors, thermostat, and may be directly placed on aspecific location on the body or all around the intelligent wear.

In some embodiments, a garment may include an absorption capability 30that may be configured to respond to a preprogrammed elements, voiceactivation, sensors, thermostat, and may be directly placed on aspecific location on the body or all around the intelligent wear.

In some embodiments, a garment may include a camera/video recorder 31and projector capability that may be configured to respond to apreprogrammed element, voice activation, sensors, thermostat, remoteinput, and for direct placement on a specific location on the body orall around the intelligent wear. There may be multiple cameras orprojectors that may allow for the capture of multidimensional imagessuch as 3-D, or the projection of images such as holographic, orinfrared (IR), or radiofrequency (RF) or other images in variety of bothvisible with the naked eye, or in conjunction with glasses or otheraccessories that render the images visible.

In some embodiments, a garment may include strobe light capability 32that may be a response to a preprogrammed element, voice activation,sensors, light meters, component identification, recognition software,GPS, and for direct placement on a specific location on the body or allaround the intelligent wear.

In some embodiments, a garment may include light indicator capability 33that may be a responds to include but not limited to input, output,stimulus, preprogrammed elements, voice activation, sensors, thermostat,and for direct placement on a specific location on the body or allaround the intelligent wear.

In some embodiments, a garment may include light strip capability 34that can made up of, but not limited to, phosphorescence inks,luminescence, power, bulb, etc. such as in specified areas that mayconfigured to respond including but not limited to input, output,stimulus, preprogrammed elements, voice activation, sensors, time, andfor direct placement on a specific location on the body or all aroundthe intelligent wear.

In some embodiments, a garment may include a solar panelrecharging/powering capability 35 for primary or supplemental powersupply that be may configured to respond to include but not limited toinput, output, stimulus, preprogrammed elements, voice activation,sensors, power levels, and for direct placement on a specific locationon the body or all around the intelligent wear.

In some embodiments, a garment may include electroluminescence panels 36that may be configured to respond to include but not limited to input,output, stimulus, preprogrammed elements, voice activation, sensors,thermostat, and for direct placement on a specific location on the bodyor all around the intelligent wear.

In some embodiments, a garment may include printed or wired antennaarray 37 that may be configured to respond to including but not limitedto input, output, stimulus, preprogrammed elements, voice activation,sensors, and for direct placement on a specific location on the body orall around the intelligent wear.

In some embodiments, a garment may include Wi-Fi capability and orindicator capability 38 that may be configured to respond to include butnot limited to input, output, stimulus, preprogrammed elements, voiceactivation, sensors, and for direct placement on a specific location onthe body or all around the intelligent wear.

In some embodiments, a garment may include cell phone type ofcommunication device 39, allowing for the incorporation of a removableexisting phone onto the garment and incorporation with the intelligentwear, or the inclusion of cell communication functionality hardwiredinto the garment.

In some embodiments, a garment may include a text, still image, andvideo display capability 40 that can work alone or in conjunction withall the sensors, electronics, or elements inherent in the intelligentwear. A display may work with all the communication, data, sensors, andprograms or with a subset of the communication, data, sensors, andprogram. For example, an audio message can be converted to text anddisplayed, images from the cameras or projectors can be viewed,functional buttons can be incorporated, etc. users can upload ortransfer images from internal intelligent ware shirt to the screen, oraccept transfers from 3'd parties, or from software programs, addoverlays or special effects, and project the image on the display.

In some embodiments, a garment may include capacitive switch capability41, and other switching technologies that can trigger any or allactivation points on, in, or around the intelligent wear.

In some embodiments, a garment may include a control switch 42 that canbe incorporated into, on, around the intelligent wear, or be activatedby individual elements added into the apparel.

In some embodiments, a garment may include a QR (quick response) code43, QR code reader, and other mechanisms to convey data either on orwithin the apparel, or trigger additional interaction with theintelligent wear system, or drive data communication with a URL or auser's mobile communication device.

In some embodiments, a garment may include user known or hereafterdevised smart phone 45, tablet, or such other device that may benecessary or useful to interface the intelligent wear with a user'sdata, information, or communication network.

In some embodiments, a garment may include a wristband/watch 46 or otheraccessories that may be developed to bring additional functionalcapabilities to the intelligent wear system to allow, for example a userto control an aspect of the intelligent wear system (e.g. any of thosedescribed herein as being part of the intelligent wear system) using acontrol function on the watch or wristband or to provide an audiodisplay, a visual display, or a tactile sensation.

An intelligent apparel item may have any or all of the weatherprotection functionally of traditional clothing (such as being sunprotective, water resistant, water proof, wind resistant, wind proofetc.). Intelligent apparel may also or instead have an optionaltransdermal delivery system. Additionally, the apparel may be infusedwith such items as vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and any and allforms of medications, topical solutions, and may perform as transdermaldelivery systems. In conjunction with the electronics and sensors, forexample, the transdermal delivery system might not only delivermedications and like items, but the intelligent apparel may monitor theintelligent wear user before, during, and after delivery to insureproper dosage, and to monitor one or more vital signs and/or specificmedical or safety criteria

Intelligent apparel may also include a power and data collection anddistribution system for the apparel. The system may supply the requiredpower to operate one to a multitude of electronics and sensors and theirassociated accessories and/or to power the data communications. Theapparel may house the electronics, sensors, and accessories in a userfriendly, comfortable, and stylish design. Such power and data may becontrolled by intuitive programming.

An intelligent apparel may house or host the smart module or the“brains” of the system. The module may be expandable and adaptable toinclude new electronics, sensors, and software upgrades, and managecompatibility with industry communications and data collection anddistribution standards and security.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an intelligent wear system in which anintelligent wear user is #1 or at center of the social hub. With anintelligent wear system, a user may be able to identify and friend(s)user #2 (who is also wearing intelligent garment) the friend's locationor proximity to the #1 user demonstrating a proximity and location basedtechnology.

Social media integration: Further, a user (e.g. user #1 or user #2) canalso sign into their personal social media site such as Facebook orTwitter, and could share their location with friends, and also allow afollow-me scenario. An intelligent wear user may allow an audio commentresponse that may automatically be played back via the intelligent wearwithin a specific location(s), or allow a “tweet(s)” or other responsesto appear on an intelligent wear display panel(s).

In some embodiments, a textual social media such as a “tweet(s)” mayalso be converted to audio and played back via the intelligent wear, oran audio message may be converted to text for playback on a display.

In some embodiments, an intelligent wear user may create a follow-memessage(s), and may respond to others who accept such opportunities, andmay play back specific responses in either an audio or visual fashion.

In some embodiments, an interactive sensor (touch point) on theintelligent wear can be designated as a “Like” or a “Dislike” functionalbutton, and may allow a third party to register opinions based upontactile interaction, or vote, or respond to a question(s) in a similaror the same fashion individually or in groups, with the results beingshared amongst the participants.

In some embodiments, an intelligent wear user can “check-in” by virtueof entering a location versus needing to actually initiate a check-inprocess. Doing so can initiate a couponing, advertising, or some otherresponse. A similar reaction may be initiated upon the intelligent userexiting a location.

Location based technology: In some embodiments an intelligent wear usercan identify if (that) another intelligent wear user is located within aspecific venue or retail location. The user/system may have the abilityto leave specific messages or downloadable content for an individual orgroup of intelligent wear users that have been identified, and suchcontent alerts may be given to the users upon breaching the perimeter ofthe specified location in the form of audio, visual, or graphicalinformation. An intelligent wear user may initiates the transfer processby sending a “ping” to the other intelligent wear users to initiate aninvitation to share content or data (such as sharing a piece of audiocontent), manage the invitation acceptance/rejection process, encodingand sending that data to the approved recipient.

Additionally, a similar (or the same) concept holds true with regards toallowing the venue or store to leave a discounts and coupons for all orindividuals that enter their locations, or as gifts with purchase uponexiting a specific location.

In some embodiments, when an intelligent wear user travels to, enters,or leaves an event that is not a fixed venue location, that user cansend location information, data, likes/dislikes on or about the event,and/or even download content that can be played back via the intelligentwear based upon the type of event (e.g. a birthday party, a dance, afestival, etc.) or can send standardized messages representing moods andattitudes to friends who may have or not have an intelligent wear systemgarment (product).

In some embodiments, another sharing scenario allows an intelligent wearuser to tag and leave specific content and messages for otherintelligent wear users based upon a location or proximity, and thenallow for and manage the acceptance/rejection, downloading, and playbackof the approved content.

Another sharing scenario is similar to the scenario described above, butincludes the ability to analyze the content and data, and return aresponse based upon the data result. For example, if an intelligent wearuser is running in a race or triathlon, and can receive data or messageupon reaching a specific location or way-point.

Intelligent wear location based services (SLBS) functions may include,but are not limited to: location (e.g. of a person, object, friend,business, or event); heading (direction or distance, or turn by turndirections); advertising (location based push or pull); request (nearestservice or business); receiving (alerts, sales, warnings, traffic);recovery (assets based); games (where location is part of a game);proximity-based notifications ((push and pull) notification whensomething available); proximity-based actuation ((such as EZ passpayments, tolls, etc.) or download content); create (point of interestinformation about location or upcoming event); leave (point of interestinformation after an event); display (point of interest information onthe intelligent wear users phone or intelligent apparel); upload photoswith content, events, to be left for others; upload comments that can bedisplayed with uploaded photos at specific locations/events; zip codesearch (distance or from center or origin to an event or sale, etc.);permission (user must give opt-in permission by law to share and receivelocation based service information); geofencing concept (virtualperimeter around a location, and identify when it is being crossed, andpush), etc.

Multi-party share and synchronization (venue examples): an intelligentwear user may offer content to one another, synch content with multipleparties with or without an invitation/acceptance concept, andsimultaneously play back content on multiple intelligent wear users atthe same time. Such a concept may be directed to sporting arenas such assoccer/football, and for music venues and concert halls. Content can be,amongst others, in the form of light programming, display content,graphical elements, and audio. A venues may be, for example: a stadium(connecting fans from the same team, coordinating fans activitiesthrough synchronization of speakers (chants, formation, player's name,booing referee), through vibration codes (1=waves, 2=chant, etc.) whichmay be specific to sport's cultural behavior, through intelligentsynchronization of LEDs on fans′ T-shirts to display stadium messages(ex. “Goooaaalll!”) or images (flag), mapping the fans and using them as‘human pixels’ in ‘bleaches screens’.); concerts (coordinating fansthrough synchronization of speakers in a sole chorus, throughsynchronization of LEDs on shirts to celebrate a song/artist enhancingan existing behavior (turning on lighters); through intelligentsynchronization of LEDs on fans′ T-shirts to display a song titles ormessages; connecting friends and detecting positioning, allowing easycommunication); mass celebrations (coordinating masses to spread aunique social message in a sole voice; intelligent synchronization ofspeakers and LEDs to coordinate/display messages, wave audio and/orlighting effects); couple celebrations (intelligent wear salute (e.g.Valentine's day), ‘override’, synchronization of love songs); street orcar encounters (intelligent wear users may be alerted when friends orintelligent wear system users are nearby, allowing easy exchange ofmessages or content); “Salute” (intelligent wear speaks or sings to agiven person (friend, loved one, team fans, annoying one, wearinganother intelligent wear product (“Hi George”, “I Love”, “We are thebest”, “loser”). Customers can share or choose official salutes andadapt them to occasions, moods.); “Override” (override a negativeexpression/conversation or foul/inappropriate language with a loving oneby detecting the bad expression through profanity filters and voicerecognition and programming the intelligent wear to respondappropriately.); etc.

Unknown intelligent wear users can share controllable “personal” datawith others whom they pass or come into proximity to, including makingor initiating a new “friend” connection.

Camera sharing functionality: With an additional enhanced feature suchas the camera, facial recognition can identify other friends, locations,etc. and signal their appearance, or initiate an audio or visualresponse. Additional intelligent wear effects include the creation of acamouflage concept by having an image from the camera behind youdisplayed in front of an individual, creating the illusion that theindividual is invisible. Alternatively, still images or moving imagesfrom the camera can be captured and played back on the intelligent weardisplay, shared with others, amended, and processed through a specialeffects generator creating everything from simple overlays to extensivegraphical editing tools, and shared. With the intelligent wear Wi-Ficapabilities, others can simply send images to the intelligent wearshirt for display.

Through a camera (e.g. on a T-shirt), a user may share his view and/orlocation and post it (also, users may visualize and modify it onInstagram). With a video camera (e.g. on a T-shirt), a user may recordhis view while walking or doing sport activities (e.g. skateboarding,climbing, running, etc.) and (instantly) post a videos, such as onYou-Tube channel through a hotspot on T-shirt: a ‘subscribe’ channelhotspot on T-shirt.

A camera auto may grab a QR code and/or other response technology andplay back an audio response based upon program requirements. A QR codemay be used to initiate shopping or product purchasing sequence.

Medical and safety concepts: With a basic GPS functionality, anintelligent wear user can, for example, such as in the case of anelderly parent, determine if such a person left a specified location,and can trigger a notification and response system in order to protectthat individual.

Crowd-sharing and shopping concepts: An intelligent wear user and/orintelligent wear may facilitate crowd-shopping and crowd-flash-salessuch as via an announcement of a specific location based sale ofeither/or physical intelligent user apparel systems, or the availabilityof specific downloadable content, or software upgrades or functionality.

Voice and audio command functionality: None, some or all social mediaand functions may be initiated by a vocal command or via an intelligentwear application.

Intelligent hot spot functionality: Further, an intelligent wear systemmay facilitate a social media sharing action in any of a number ofdifferent scenarios. One such scenario allows an intelligent wear user'sapparel to act as an internet hot spot, allowing for multiple people inproximity to him to share his internet/communications connections.

In some embodiments, a flexible wearable garment system furthercomprises a second flexible wearable item (e.g. an accessory or garment)in electrical communication with the first flexible wearable item (e.g.an accessory or garment). Such an electrical connection may beconfigured to allow power and data to be transmitted. Such garments maybe in electrical communication directly such as by a button, snap oranother electrical connector or may be indirect communication (such asthrough a wireless communication). A second garment may be in electricalconnection with a third (or fourth, fifth, etc.) flexible wearablegarment or accessory. FIG. 3 shows a flexible wearable garment system(an intelligent garment system) with various garments in electricalcommunication with one another. An intelligent wear shirt 60 iselectrically connected via an electrical connector 70 with intelligentwear pants 62. Such a connector may be a substantially rigid connectoror may be a substantially flexible connector. Such an electricalconnection may be, for example, though a button, a complementarymagnetic connection, a snap, a strip (such as a fabric strip), a wire,or any other connection or may be made through a wireless connection.The intelligent wear shirt 60 is also electrically connected viaelectrical connector 74 with an intelligent wear glove and viaelectrical connector 76 with an intelligent wear hat 68. Intelligentwear socks 64 are electrically connected via electrical connector 72with intelligent wear pants 62 which is in turn electrically connectedvia electrical connector 70 with intelligent wear shirt 60. Each garmentor accessory may contain any element as described herein or as known inthe art, such as a body sensor, an interactive sensor, a power trace,etc. An interactive sensor (or a body sensor or any other element) maybe any color, any texture, or any design.

An intelligent garment item may be a stand-alone intelligent apparelitem or it may be an item that works in conjunction with a second item.An intelligent garment may work with a user's other or existing wardrobeitem or accessories, for example as an additional layer or as acomponent attached to another or existing wardrobe item or accessory. Afirst intelligent garment may have an element that can work with,enhance, and/or support a second intelligent apparel item such as onethat houses an intelligent electronic module and activators, (other)electronics, microchips, and/or sensors such as included with anintelligent electronic module.

An intelligent garment item may be any type of clothing or may be anytype of accessory and may be used for or configured for a specificpurpose. An intelligent garment item may, for example, be a garment oran accessory that houses an intelligent electronic module or may be agarment or an accessory that works with an intelligent electronic modulehoused in another intelligent garment item. An intelligent garment maybe, for example, a top such as a bra, a camisole, a compression shirt, ahoodie, a long-sleeved shirt, an over-shirt, a polo shirt, a shirt, ashort-sleeved shirt, a T-shirt, a tank top, a turtleneck shirt, a V-neckshirt, an undershirt, etc.; a bottom such as capris, leggings, pants,shorts, etc.; a hand wear such as, a glove, a mitten, etc.; a headwearsuch as a balaclavas, a hat, a hood, etc.; a footwear such as, a boot, afoot glove, a shoe, a sock, etc.; or may be a coat, a full body outfit,a jacket, a leotard, a jumpsuit, pajamas, a robe, swimwear, underwear,and/or another specialized worker outfit, etc. An intelligent garmentmay include any type of accessory (such as an ankle-lace, a bracelet, aflexible screen, a hearing aid, a microphone, a necklace, a speaker, atie, a watch, etc.) An intelligent garment may be used for any purpose,for example, for athletic wear, fire and safety use, military use,personal protection, patient use, recreation use, etc.

An intelligent garment may have or may allow the incorporation of one ormore intelligent wear elements such as one or more body sensors, one ormore interactive sensors, a power and data distribution service, acommunication control and management system, etc. An intelligent garmentmay have any or all of the expected weather and environmental protectionfunctionally of traditional clothing. A specific, functional intelligentgarment may have a stand-alone design. It may contain printed, woven,wired, and/or wireless nodes, and/or other embedded or attached sensorsand/or other associated electronics. It may contain a variety of printedand/or programmable/controllable sensors and activators as definedherein or known in the art or hereafter invented. An intelligent garmentmay be configured to work in conjunction with another item in anintelligent system in multiple modes, such as a real-time mode, or maybe configured to work alone such as when not in a time sensitive mode.It may be managed via a data scheduling algorithm or programming.

An intelligent garment may include one or more than one electroniccomponent or circuit which may include a conductive material. Such aconductive material may be adapted or configured to make a connection(e.g. an electrical connection) between two elements (e.g. devices,garments, items). A connection may be, for example, a conductivematerial electrical trace (such as a conductive media (conductive ink)or a trace made from a conductive media or conductive ink), a conductivesilicone, or another type of conductive material that can be depositedon fabric or incorporated into a fabric (e.g. by weaving or sewing orgluing onto/into the fabric). A conductive ink may be “cableless” andmay possess greater flexibility than a cable. A conductive material onan intelligent wear garment item may be required to both conduct anelectrical signal (including for example, providing sufficient power)and be configured to allow the garment to conform to a user's body. Aconductive trace that is non-extendible in a vertical direction may benarrow in a horizontal dimension (i.e. going around an individual). Sucha narrow trace that is placed with its long axis in a verticalorientation may allow a garment to substantially expand in a horizontaldirection (such as when an individual is stretching a garment andplacing it over his head). A plurality of traces (or all traces on agarment) may be oriented in a vertical direction in order to allow agarment to stretch in a horizontal direction. Such a trace may extendfrom a front of a garment to a back of a garment (such as by travelingover a shoulder area of a garment). In some embodiments, a conductivetrace may be extendible in a vertical direction, a horizontal direction,in both a vertical direction and a horizontal direction or in neitherdirection. A conductive material may be flexible in a verticaldirection, a horizontal direction, in both a vertical direction and ahorizontal direction or in neither direction. An electronic componentmay be substantially flexible or may be configured to maintain a shape(e.g. be substantially rigid) when it is in place on a garment. A tracethat is non-extendible in a vertical direction may be narrow in ahorizontal dimension (i.e. going around an individual). Such a narrowtrace may allow a garment to substantially expand in a horizontaldirection (such as when an individual is stretching a garment andplacing it on his body). A trace that is non-extendible in a verticaldirection may be narrow in a horizontal dimension (i.e. going around anindividual). Such a narrow trace may allow a garment to substantiallyexpand in a horizontal direction (such as when an individual isstretching a garment and placing it on his body). In some embodiments, agarment may have a maximum extendibility (which may be incorporated intothe garment size indication), such as based on the extendibility of atrace or the extendibility of the fabric. In some embodiments, anintelligent wear garment as described herein, does not include (does nothave visible) any wires, cables, and/or traces on an outside of thegarment.

An intelligent garment may include one or more than one body sensor. Abody sensor may be configured, for example, to sense a user's position(e.g. a specific location or position on or of a user's finger, arm,leg, torso, etc.) and a plurality of sensors may be used to sense aplurality of positions or locations (e.g. a specific location orposition on or of a user's finger, arm, leg, torso, etc.), a user'smovement, a user's physiological status including but not limited to acapacitive strain sensor, a conductive media (conductive ink) capacitivesensor, a conductive media (conductive ink) electrode sensor, aconductive media (conductive ink) resistive sensor, a fiber opticsensor, a metal electrode sensor, an optical sensor such as an opticalprobe sensor or an optical source sensor (e.g., a laser, a lightemitting diode (LED), etc.), a piezoresistive strain gauge sensor, asemiconductor sensor (e.g., a force sensor, a gyroscope, amagneto-resistor sensor, a photodiode sensor, a phototransistor sensor,a pressure sensor, and/or a tri-axis accelerometer). An intelligentgarment may include 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10-15, 16-20, 21-30,31-40, 41-50 or more than 50 body sensors.

An intelligent garment may include one or more interactive sensor (touchpoint). An interactive sensor (touch point) may be made from anymaterial that allows a user to activate it such as by a user's hand orproximity of a user's hand to activate the interactive sensor. Anintelligent garment may include 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10-15,16-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50 or more than 50 interactive sensors. Aninteractive sensor may be made from, for example, a conductive silicone,a plate of conductive media (conductive ink), or another type ofconductive material. An interactive sensor (touch point) may bedeposited on a fabric or may be woven into a fabric or sewn or gluedonto/into the fabric.

In some embodiments, an intelligent wear element (e.g. any element on orassociated with an intelligent wear item such as a sensor, trace, powersupply, etc.) may be flexible and/or conformable. In some embodiments,an intelligent wear element may be substantially rigid or may beconfigured to maintain a shape. Such an element may have a relativelysmall footprint so that the intelligent wear garment maintains itsflexibility and/or is conformable to a user's body. In some embodiments,a substantially rigid element may be on a portion of a garmentconfigured to contact a relatively inflexible portion of a user's body(e.g. a mid-back, a lower back, an upper back, along a femur, along atibia, along a foot, along a skull, etc.). For example, an element maybe in the back of a shirt and configured to line up with a user'srelatively inflexible mid back region). In some embodiments, asubstantially rigid element may be on a front of a garment. In someembodiments, the total garment surface area of an element (e.g. asmeasured by the surface area of the portion of the garment the elementcovers or) of one or all rigid elements is less than 1 cm², from 1 cm²to less than 2 cm², from 2 cm² to less than 3 cm², from 3 cm² to lessthan 4 cm², from 4 cm² to less than 5 cm², from 5 cm² to less than 10cm² or from 10 cm² to less than 20 cm², on either a garment front or agarment back or both together.

An intelligent apparel item may be provided with motion detectionsensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers to detectthe body position and movements and provide immediate feedback.

Another aspect of the invention provides a flexible, compressive shirtconfigured to continuously conform to a user's body when worn by theuser, comprising; a plurality of body sensors on the front of the shirteach configured to sense a user's physiological status and therebygenerate a plurality of physiological sensor signals; a plurality ofbody sensors on each sleeve of the shirt each configured to sense auser's motion and thereby generate a plurality of motion sensor signals;a plurality of elongated conductive traces on the garment each containedin a seam, the traces running from a plurality of body sensors in asubstantially vertical direction to a sensor pocket and configured tocommunicate the sensor signal from the sensor to a sensor module foranalysis; and an interactive sensor on the front of the garmentconfigured to transmit an interactive sensor signal to the sensor modulewhen the user's hand activates the sensor with a touch.

Another aspect of the invention provides a flexible garment configuredto continuously conform to a user's body when the garment is worn by theuser, the garment comprising: a body sensor on the garment configured tosense one of a user's position, a user's movement, and a user'sphysiological status and thereby generate a body sensor signal; aconductive trace on the garment, connected with the sensor andconfigured to communicate the body sensor signal from the sensor to asensor module for analysis; an interactive sensor on the garmentconfigured to transmit an interactive sensor signal to the sensor modulewhen the user's hand activates the interactive sensor wherein the sensormodule is configured to control an audio output and/or a visual outputin response to the interactive sensor signal; and a pocket on the backof the garment configured to hold the sensor module.

An intelligent apparel item or intelligent apparel system (sartorialcommunications apparatus) may act as an independent body measuringmechanism. Such a mechanism may allow sensors to (automatically)register appropriate body baseline measurements, including but notlimited to, arm and joint length, body mass, chest expansion,displacement, sizing/tailoring measurements, stretch measurements,and/or the deviation from a standard data set.

An intelligent garment item may include optical fibers or a bundle ofoptical fibers; an actuator (e.g. a vibrator, a pressure and/or triggerpoint device); a peripheral or accessory (e.g. a speaker, a microphone,a display, a keyboard, a switch, a camera, an illuminating system,etc.).

Additionally, an intelligent apparel item or intelligent apparel systemmay be infused locally or throughout with a desired substance, such asanother aromatic element, a deodorant, an electrolyte, a gel, amedication, a mineral, an ointment, a lotion, a perfume, a topicalsolution, or a vitamin. In some embodiments, an intelligent apparel itemmay perform as a transdermal delivery system, including, for example, asan iontophoretic delivery system. In conjunction with the intelligentwear electronics and sensors, a transdermal delivery system connectedwith an intelligent garment item can not only deliver medications andother item to a user, but the intelligent garment item can monitor theintelligent wear user before, during, and after delivery to ensureproper dosage, and to monitor desired vital signs and/or specificmedical or safety criteria. Such monitoring may also be done in theabsence of a transdermal delivery system.

An intelligent apparel item may contain a reservoir of desired material.A material may be, for example, an aerosol, a gas, a gel, a liquid, aplasma, a solid, etc. Such materials may be delivered to the user or toan area near a user. For example, an intelligent apparel item mayinclude a burst and leak resistant “release” pouches. Such a pouch maycomprise an internationally approved (such as with certified hazardanalysis) disbursement mechanisms for a non-flammable aerosol/gas/and/orliquid dispenser (release pouch). Such a pouch may be triggered torelease its contents via sensor feedback and invoked responses. Such apouch may be used for any reason, such as for an emergency managementapplication, firefighting, medical use, military use, personal safety,security, etc.

An intelligent apparel item may contain a temperature controlapplication. Such an application may include a “heat zone” or “coldzone” application, either alone or in conjunction with each other. Anintelligent apparel item may be configured to utilize or incorporate aphase change material. A “heat zone” or “cold zone” application mayactivate or adjust such a phase change material, such as in conjunctionwith other sensors (electromyography, goniometry, thermostat,temperature, skin galvanic, etc.)

An intelligent apparel item may contain . . . which may be activatedbased upon disability sensors indicating a reduced or over-extendedrange of motion or misaligned angular measurement. These sensors maywork together or alone to immediately pinpoint areas of fallibility andevoke therapeutic responses.

An intelligent wear item may include a shielding property. Such ashielding property may include protection from digital hacking such asof a sensor, data, within a wide area human node (WARN) on or near anintelligent wear item. An individual or a group may form such ashielding property such as a “digital barrier” zone. Forming such a zonemay include forming jamming effects, forming transmission effects, orforming both types of effects. Such a zone may allow for thesimultaneous receipt of allowable transmission/telemetry/data whilesimultaneously transmitting jamming signals.

An intelligent apparel item may include one or more elements configuredto provide an action to a user, such as a defibrillator action, astimulatory action, a vibratory action. For example, an intelligentapparel item may include a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS) unit, which may be useful, for example, for providing therapeuticnerve stimulation for healing and/or physical therapy. Any stimulatorcan work alone or conjunction with another sensor or function such as aheat zone or a cold zone for the activation of multi point therapeuticconcentrations.

Various functions or functional components may be incorporated into anintelligent apparel, or may be left as standalone elements integratedinto the system, such as follows. A WAHN may be integrated. Multipleintelligent apparel users may work in concert with the includedintelligent apparel sensors, in addition to having the benefit of thedata acquisition based upon their individual sensor readings, to createa wide area human node (“WAHN”) by having multiple intelligent apparelusers in proximity to one another. Such a WAHN may have amassedcentralized or distributed data collection and mining. Such a WAHN maybe utilized in conjunction with an intelligent system telemetry and dataresponse system. A hot spot may be integrated. A group of intelligentapparel users may create a hot-spot, such as an interne hot-spot. Such ahot-spot may be private or public. Such a hot-spot may allow for acontrollable access and consumption zone, such as forinternet/Wi-Fi/cloud access. Such a hot-spot may be configured to act asa signal booster and/or repeater station, and may allow for thedevelopment of an instant wide area network shared via the intelligentapparel group. Such a hot-spot may provide an environment configured tobe controllable as a one-to-one private access, or configured to becontrollable as a one-to-many private/share experience. Such a hot-spotmay be created on its own or conjunction with a WAHN. An intelligentsystem event manager may be integrated. An intelligent garment systemmay also be configured so that specific functional data points areassigned to different intelligent wear users in different or definedlocations or environments, but when acting together in a WAHN evoke aresponse that is managed by the Intelligent System Event Manager. TheEvent Manager may have both predetermined conditional response elements,as well as Intelligent Apparel user programmability, or be managed ormodified such as via a designated third party in conjunction withencrypted and password protected access. Such Event Managers can bemachine learning based upon inputs, may be self-diagnostic and/or may beremotely programmable.

An intelligent apparel item may house or host a smart module (the“brain” of an intelligent apparel system). Such a smart module may beexpandable and adaptable such as with a modular electronic element,sensor, and software and firmware upgrades, and may have managecompatibility with industry adopted communications protocols and datacollection and distribution standards and security. An intelligentapparel system may comprise any or all of intelligent apparel item,smart module and an associated intelligent control software, a power anddata distribution system and intelligent sensors.

An intelligent garment may be a foundation item or a layer added to anexisting garment. It may be above, below, on, in, or extension ofanother (existing) garment or accessory, or any combination thereof. Itmay be positioned anywhere on, in proximity to, or in direct contactwith the intelligent garment user's body or extremities, and may includespecific and multiple sensors and activators locations, and may includeor allow for the incorporation of elements such as mentioned elsewherein the disclosure or as known to one of skill in the art, including, forexample, a printed antenna, an identification tag, an RFID elementsand/or other elements not already embedded within a sensor.

In some embodiments, an intelligent garment may be a stand-alonegarment, such as a single-layer compression garment or any other type ofform-fitting or adherent-to-the skin garment, as described elsewhere inthe disclosure (e.g. such as a short-sleeved shirt, a long sleevedshirt, a V-neck shirt, a turtleneck shirt, a tank top, shorts,underwear, leggings, leotards, gloves, feet gloves, a balaclavas, ahoodie, etc.). An intelligent garment may include electronics andconnections, sensors, touch points, optical fibers, actuators, and/orperipherals. Any such items may be located on an internal surface of thegarment, an external surface of the garment, or may be contained (e.g.embedded or woven) within the garment. In some embodiments, anintelligent garment may include one or more body sensors and one or moreinteractive sensors (touch points). Such an intelligent garment mayinclude a.) specific or multiple electrodes, conductive ink resistivesensors, conductive ink capacitive sensors that may use a direct skincontact placed on an internal surface of the garment for data gathering(e.g., brain electrical activity, heart rate, motion detection, muscleelectrical activity, oxygen saturation, skin conductance, skintemperature, tissue oxygenation, etc.) and/or for haptic feedback, suchas a vibrating activator or actuators and, b.) specific or multipleelectrodes, conductive ink resistive sensors, and/or conductive inkcapacitive sensors, which may be printed or incorporated on an externalsurface of the garment and useful as an interface for a user input (e.g.an interactive sensor or touch point). Such an interactive sensor mayprovide visual and audio feedback.

In some embodiments, an intelligent garment may have a single garmentwith a double layer (or may have more than two layers) and may allow fora differentiated collection of intelligent garments (such as, abuttoned-up shirt, a coat, gloves, a hoodies, pants, a polo shirt,shoes, shorts, a vest, etc.) each with an internal (compression) supportlayer. An external layer may be configured to conform to a user's bodyor may be configured to not conform to a user's body. Each layer mayinclude a specific category of elements such as sensors, probes,electrodes, conductive ink resistive sensors, conductive ink capacitivesensors, and/or actuators. The internal layer (e.g. conformable orcompression layer) may be configured to allow for direct skin contactwhen the garment is worn by a user, and the external layer may beconfigured as a user interface and/or feedback provider.

In some embodiments, an intelligent garment may be configured both to beused as a stand-alone item as well as be used in conjunction with one(or more than one) other intelligent wear item in an intelligent wearsystem (e.g., intelligent wear pants and an intelligent wear shirt wornwith intelligent wear shoes, or an intelligent wear polo shirt worn withintelligent wear shorts or intelligent wear pants).

In some embodiments, a first intelligent garment, whether configured tobe worn alone or worn in conjunction with a second intelligent garment(or configured for both), may have two layers or may have more than twolayers. A first or internal layer, such as a flexible layer for example,may be configured to conform to a user's body. Such an internal layermay provide contact or close proximity between an element such as a bodysensor on the layer and a user's body. A second or external layer may beconfigured to fit loosely over a user's body (as well as over aninternal layer). Such a second layer may provide a looser-fitting, morecomfortable, more fashionable and/or more socially acceptable looserouter garment. Such a system of two or more layers may provide alooser-fitting, more comfortable, more fashionable and/or more sociallyacceptable looser second (outer) layer while simultaneously providing aconforming first layer having a pathway for elements to function bycontacting or coming in proximity to a user's body. Any of the layers ofan intelligent garment may contain any of the elements described hereinor as known to one of skill in the art. A garment may also have morethan two layers. For example, a middle layer (or an outer layer) of agarment having multiple layers may provide a hidden interactive sensor(touch point) configured to transmit an interactive sensor signal when auser's hand activates the hidden interactive sensor or a user's handcomes into proximity to the interactive sensor. Two layers or more thantwo layers of an intelligent garment may be integral with one another(e.g. sewn or otherwise fixed together with one another) or may beconfigured to be temporarily attached with one another (e.g. using snapsor buttons) or may simply be separate items of apparel wornsimultaneously. Separate or attached but separable layers of apparel maybe advantageous, for example, by allowing the user flexibility to useeach of the layers with another item of apparel (mix-and-match). Forexample, a user may be able to have a smaller number of relatively morecomplex or more expensive inner layers (including sensors, connectors,etc.) (which inner lay may not be generally visible to another personwhen worn) and a larger number of external layers that provide morechoice and variety in the user's appearance. A user may have two (ormore) internal layers that have different configurations of elements.Each internal layer can be used with a different external layer. Anouter layer may be configured to cover an inner layer. An outer layermay be configured to only partially cover an internal layer. An outergarment or outer layer may be specifically designed to “match” orcomplement or otherwise be considered attractive or fashionable whenworn with an internal or other intelligent garment.

Any system of two or more intelligent wear items (including but notlimited to items described elsewhere in this disclosure) may be usedtogether. Such an intelligent garment may have a single layer or mayhave two layers or have more than two layers. An internal layer, such asa flexible compression layer for example, may be configured to conformto a user's body. A stand-alone item, as well as the intelligent wearsystem as a whole, may have a power (and data) distribution system thatsupplies and routes the required power and data paths in order tooperate the various elements, such as the multitude of electronics andsensors, actuators, conductive ink resistive sensors, conductive inkcapacitive sensors, electrodes, and probes located in the variousgarments and to manage the data flow between the sensors and the smartmodule, and the communication ports and protocols that manage thesystem.

In some embodiments of an intelligent wear system (such as, for example,a shirt and shorts) an internal compression layer of a multi-layered topgarment (such as a shirt) may act as a cross-connection componentbetween the top garment and a bottom garment. An internal layer mayextend in length lower than the external layer, such as down to thehips, and may be configured to support the power and data distributionsystem between the different pieces of garment. A proper connectingsystem may include but is not limited to a conductive glue, a snap, anda solder element and may allow or provide an electrical connectionbetween different components of the intelligent apparel system and/orbetween an intelligent apparel component and an intelligent accessory.

As described, an intelligent garment may be flexible and/or configuredto conform and/or configured to continuously conform to a user's body.An intelligent garment may comprise any material that is flexible and/orable to conform and/or able to continuously conform to a user's body,such as those known to a person having skill in the art. Such a flexibleor conforming garment may be especially comfortable and/or attractive.

In some embodiments, an element, hardware, etc. on an intelligentgarment may be flexible and/or configured to conform and/or configuredcontinuously conform to a user's body. In some embodiments, an element,hardware, etc. may be hidden or out of view. In some embodiments, anelement, hardware, etc. may be visible and may be attractivelypresented. Generally in the art, an element such as body sensor, aninteractive sensor, a conductive material etc. is inflexible (rigid)and/or non-extensible. It may be inflexible and/or non-extensible (ormay have an inflexible and/or non-extensible housing) to contain it,protect it from jarring, protect it from a stray signal, prevent it fromshorting, protect it from sweat, protect it from a cleaning agent suchas soap, protect it from water, etc. An element may be connected withanother element or other item by a wire which may be protected by abulky and/or relatively inflexible insulation. Such a material may beuncomfortable to a user due to their inflexibility (rigidity) and/orlack of extensibility when used by a user. Generating a conductive tracemay require a balance between material qualities such as conductivity,flexibility, smoothness, and washability. For example, a sensor or wireconnected to a music player such as an iPod or phone worn by a usercannot extend when a user moves. Instead, the user is constricted inmovement by the wire, or allows an “extra” loop of wire to hang down sothat the individual can move without constriction by the wire. Such arigid or inextensible element may be annoying, clumsy, dangerous, and/orunattractive to a user or others. For example, a hanging wire connectinga music player may easily get in a user's way or caught by a user'shand. The wire may then pull the music player to the floor, pull on thespeaker, entangle the user, etc. An inflexible (rigid) and/ornon-extensible element worn by a user may be constrictive anduncomfortable because it cannot extend to conform to the user when hemoves or bends.

In particular, the intelligent apparel and systems described herein mayovercome problems inherent in trying to connect an element such as asensor to another element such as module while maintaining an attractiveappearance, conformability, comfort, and/or extensibility of theapparel. An intelligent apparel may be specifically designed to overcomeproblems inherent in trying to bridge seams with conductive materialswith elongation issues, while maintaining comfort and performance. Anyor all of these functional components may be incorporated into theintelligent apparel, or may be left as standalone elements integratedinto the system.

In some embodiments, an element, hardware, etc. integral to, containedon an intelligent garment may be inflexible and/or inextensible. Such anelement or hardware may be placed, for example, on a region of thegarment configured to contact a portion of a user's body that isrelatively unmoving or inflexible. Such an element or hardware may beconnected with a flexible or extendible element. For example, aninflexible smart module may be placed on the back of garment and may beconnected by flexible and/or extendible traces to a front of a garment.Such a trace (or other element such as electronic element or device) maybe placed or contained within a seam, such as a welded seam. Such a seammay enclose the trace to prevent the trace from contacting the bodywhich may be uncomfortable or to prevent the trace from being visible,which may be unattractive to the user or to another.

An intelligent apparel system may comprise any or all of one or moreintelligent apparel items, accessories, or garments (and associatedelements), a smart module, an associated intelligent control software, apower and data distribution system and one or more actuators, conductiveink capacitive sensors, conductive ink resistive sensors, electrodes,fiber optic sensors, optical probes, other probes, and/or intelligentsensors.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of an intelligent wear shirt platform. Such awearable intelligent platform includes a wearable intelligent garment;sensors on the wearable intelligent garment such as body sensors andinteractive sensors; a flexible conductive connector on the wearableintelligent garment in the form of an ink trace for connecting sensorsto the sensor module; a sensor module for managing the sensors; and anoutput in the form of an actuator. The shirt includes a communicationplatform 81 configured to control communications, such as internalcommunication (e.g. integral to or within any garment or accessory) andexternal communication to an external communication system 90 (e.g. witha computer, the cloud, etc.). A communication platform may be anelectronic system, such as a phone that may be embedded in a garment ormay be removable. A communication system may include an application(app) configured to process data and a sensor, such as an inertialmeasurement unit (IMU). FIG. 4 also shows a sensor manager 83 inelectronic communication with communications platform 81. FIG. 4 furthershows an interactive sensor 84, a body sensor 85 such as a conductivemedia trace (conductive ink) trace used as an EKG sensor in electroniccommunication with the sensor manager 83. FIG. 4 also shows a peripheralelement 88 such as a speaker or microphone electrically connected withthe sensor manager 83 via a (flexible) electrical trace. An intelligentwear module (module, SWM) may house electronics and a microprocessor(s)configured to operate an intelligent wear garment or intelligent wearsystem (including any intelligent accessories) may include acommunication system 81, a sensor manager 83 and optionally a sensor 85.In some embodiments, such a module may comprise a housing configured tobe easily removed (e.g. in one piece). FIG. 4 also shows power supply82, which may be useful for supplying power to the communication system,sensor manager, sensors, peripherals, etc. Such a power supply may bepart of the module or may be separate from it and may supply powerthrough a trace 86.

A sensor manager may be configured to provide one or more than one thefollowing principal functions. A sensor manager may be configured toreceive and synchronize various analog and/or digital signals and/ordata (e.g. samples of signals measured at a given programmable samplingrate, which may be, for example continuously or intermittent or may bebinary (on/off) such as in the case of an interactive sensor). A sensormanager may be configured to provide front-end functions for an analogsignal, that include but are not limited to amplification of a signalfrom a peripheral sensor located elsewhere on an intelligent wear item,such as an accelerometers and photodiodes, a printed sensor, and/orprinted electrodes and/or touch point signals, filter an analog signalsuch as from an analog low-pass filter, high-pass filter or band-passfilter or stop-pass filtering a signal from a printed sensor and/or aninteractive sensor (touch point), and/or multiplexing of differentsignals, such as, for example those coming from various printed sensors,interactive sensors (touch points), etc. A sensor manager may beconfigured to convert an analog signal into a digital signal, such as adigital signal coming from any peripheral sensor such as anaccelerometer, a photodiode, a printed sensor, an interactive sensor(touch point), etc. A sensor manager may be configured to provide apower supply to one or more elements in or on an intelligent wear systemitem such as in or on a garment or an accessory. A sensor manager mayprovide a power supply, for example, by interfacing with a power source(e.g. a battery) and sending electrical power from it to a peripheralsensor, such as to an accelerometer, a photodiode, a printed sensor, aphysical sensor, and/or an interactive sensor (touch point), etc. on anintelligent wear item. A sensor manager may be configured to pre-processdata by implementing functions that include but are not limited todigital filtering of analog and/or digital signals, coding ofinteractive sensor (touch point) signals, conversion of continuous datainto time series data, etc. sensor manager may be configured tocommunicate by specific data communication protocols. A sensor managermay be configured to transmit and/or control a signal and to sendappropriate feedback to the user based on the signal, such as via ahaptic activator or actuator or touch pad on an intelligent wear item,an audio output, a visual interface, etc. Such an actuator may beconnected with the module, for example, by a vertical trace. A hapticactuator may transduce an electrical signal (e.g. from a module) into amechanical force. A haptic actuator may provide a feedback such as aforce, a vibration, or a motion to a user's body such as an arm, a face,a finger, a foot, a hand, a head, a leg, a neck, a thumb, a toe, and atorso. A haptic actuator may be an electroactive polymer, anelectrostatic actuator, a piezo actuator, etc. Haptic feedback may besent to a single actuator or to a plurality of actuators and may bebased on sensor signals from one or from more than one sensors. Hapticfeedback may be provided to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more than10 haptic actuators. For example, a sensor module may process sensorsignals from a plurality of position-based sensor on an arm of a user,such as a user performing yoga, and may send signals to a plurality ofhaptic actuators to encourage the user to move the arm to a differentposition.

An intelligent wear item or intelligent wear system may include anintelligent wear manager. A sensor manager may be part of an intelligentwear module or may be separate from it. Such an electronic module maymanage actuators, conductive media (conductive ink) resistive sensors,conductive media (conductive ink) capacitive sensors, electrodes,probes, sensors, and any other components and activities. An intelligentwear module may be configured to run on, for example, a rechargeablebattery and/or a disposable battery.

An intelligent wear module may be configured to have one or more of thefollowing functions: An intelligent wear module may be configured tofacilitate communication between items within an intelligent wear systemand/or from/to an intelligent wear system to/from outside an intelligentwear system (e.g. the cloud, a computer, a phone, a tablet, etc.). Anintelligent wear module may be configured to facilitate communication,for example via one or more standard protocols and/or one or more novelor proprietary protocols, such as via Bluetooth, infrared (IR), a mobilephone equipped with a SIM card reader (such as for immediate connectionto the cloud via a global system for mobile communications using anycarrier or subscription such as global system for mobile communications(GSM); general packet radio service (GPRS); enhanced data for GSMevolution (EDGE); universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS); anyother advanced mobile system network); radio frequency (RF), sonicsignature, Wi-Fi, etc., or any other protocols as appropriate. Anintelligent wear module may be attached to, be in proximity to, ormanufactured within, an intelligent garment, an intelligent wearaccessory, Wi-Fi, etc. An intelligent wear module may contact or be inproximity to other elements or components of an intelligent wear system,such as, a power and data distribution system (PDDS), associated powertraces, intelligent sensors, etc.

An intelligent wear module may be configured for integrating, storing,playing back, managing (uploading, downloading, distributing, accessing,comparing, analyzing, etc.), and controlling one or more of: 1.)activators, capacitors, ‘power traces’ and any associated power andsensors, probes, transmission and receptions points, such as two wayscommunication, etc. 2.) any intelligent sensors and any of their various(and numerous) data collection and transmission points via SM, 3.) localdata and content storage (memory), 4.) transmission and receipt ofexternal data and content, 5.) programming of the content assignmentwith the intelligent apparel interactive sensors (touch points), 6.)(immediate) converting of biometrics and motion data into “Expressions”(see below), 7.) generating audio, haptic, and/or visual feedback basedon a training session or other downloadable program, 8.) initiating andcontrolling transdermal control processes, 9.) local or externalcompliance, comparative, and irregularity feedback analysis based upondata collection or programming, 10.) managing plug and play aspects ofelectronics and intelligent wear module enhancements, and 11.)facilitating the social media elements such as sharing, location basedservices, and interactions, and 12) compatibility with industry acceptedprotocols. In some embodiments, an internal intelligent wear module maybe configured to be scalable and expandable. In addition to corefunctionality and processing power of the intelligent wear module,additional enhancements or functionalities may be included in anintelligent wear module or may be added (e.g. in a plug-and-playenvironment) to the intelligent wear module to, for example, increasefunctionality of the module and/or control additional enhancement(elements) added elsewhere in the intelligent wear system. Suchenhancements and functionalities include, but are not limited to,battery power, a bone stimulator, Bluetooth, a camera, a cold pack, adefibrillator, a dispenser, a display, earphones, global positioningsystem (GPS), a heat pack, infrared (IR) functionality, a jack (e.g. fora microphone, a light/LED, photo, etc.), radiofrequency functionality(RF), a speaker, an additional sensor, a vibrator, a solar cell, atransdermal delivery systems, and Wi-Fi. In some embodiments, anintelligent wear module may include a software development kit and/orintelligent control software.

An intelligent wear module may include a software development kit (SDK)configured to allow the creation of an additional application (“app”)for the module. Such an application may be based on an existing(commercial) software package or may be based on a proprietary softwarepackage. Such an application may be made on a fee basis or may be madefree to the user community. A developer (e.g. a member of the developercommunity) may develop applications using default or optional actuators,sensors, or other elements from the intelligent wear system specific tocertain uses such as for 1.) a group activity such as a virtual game, anactivity competition, a sports challenges and rankings, etc., or for 2.)a personal activity, such as a specific control system for healthcare, aspecific control system for entertainment purposes, etc.

An intelligent control software may include but is not limited to asoftware concept designs (e.g. a proprietary software as part of themodule) that facilitate: (user) creating (e.g. by the user) of an audiofile from the user's voice, creating sounds effects, editing andmanaging user content such as grabbing a “needle drop” or specificsection of music from a user's library, assigning a sound effect to abody part, modulating a musical response based on a user's movement(such as increasing the volume or the brightness of sound based on theuser raising his arm), activating specific bio-feedback as a musicaloutputs (such as a (musical) rhythm based on a user's heartbeat), etc.Other types of software may allow: controlling an LED lighting on ashirt (by a user) to play back or synchronize the lighting with a voiceor music, controlling a camera configured for facial recognition andtriggering an audio effect, a light effect, or a Facebook response whensomeone known is recognized, etc. A specific functional softwarecategory may include but is not limited to, supportingentertainmentwear, healthwear, heatwear, safetywear, securitywear,and/or sleepwear. Such software may, for example, create an automaticresponse (an automatic trigger) that may be based on, for example, asensor response or a biometric analysis. Such an automatic response mayinitiate a product purchase, a food delivery, a medical doctornotification, or a motivational item. In some embodiments, an automaticresponse may include a list of suggested items or alternative activitiesto those initiating the automatic response.

An intelligent garment or apparel system may include a power and datadistribution system (“PDDS”). Such a power and data distribution systemmay be applied to or incorporated into an intelligent apparel item. Sucha power and data distribution system may supply and/or route any powerand/or data paths to operate the multitude of electronics and sensorsused in conjunction with an intelligent apparel. Such a power and datadistribution system may facilitate communications between actuators,conductive ink capacitive sensors, conductive ink resistive sensors,electrodes, nodes, sensors, a wide area human node (WAHN) and/or any oftheir associated accessories. Additionally, a power and datadistribution system may manage data flow between sensors and the smartmodule, the communication ports, and the protocols that manage thesystem.

Within a power and data distribution system, an intelligent wear systemmay utilize a “power trace”. Such a power trace may act as a connectionpoint(s) for and between intelligent wear sensors. Such a power tracemay be configured to be a sensor. In addition to being a conduits forthe flow of power and data transmissions, a power trace may also createan interactive sensor (touch point) that can be activated through any ormore mechanisms including but not limited to capacitance, direct touch,gesture controls, light (spectrum specific), proximity, and sonicsignatures/sound. A gesture control may allow a user (or anotherindividual) to control an aspect of the intelligent wear system with agesture, such as shaking a hand up and down to function as ‘increase thevolume’ and ‘decrease the volume’. Gesture control recognition may bestandardized (e.g. determined by the module or an application such asfrom a library of pre-recorded and/or standard gesture based commands)or may by user control (e.g. a user may be able to determine how amodule responds to a particular gesture). A library of recognizablegestures may include, for example, gestures from sign-language. Agesture-based command may comprise a recording of data from movementdetected from intelligent wear accelerometers during a gesture event.Such a recording may be authenticated by a user and stored. Such acommand may then be detected by recognition algorithms to execute aparticular operation. A gesture based command may be based on data froman intelligent glove, which may comprise a plurality of accelerometers(such as on each finger, the palm, etc.) An intelligent wear button ortrigger point on a garment (such as a shirt) can be programmed to elicita specific response or functionality, such as activating a sound file,turning a display on or off, initiating a content or data transfer,initiating a transdermal flow, soliciting biometric feedback,controlling (changing) a volume level (volume control), controllinglighting, controlling a heat level, controlling a sensitivity level fora sensor, transmitting data, and managing connections and communicationsfor and between a smart module, the internet, a cell phone, and/or auser's smart phone (such as for an internet upload and downloads, etc.).Such an intelligent wear button or trigger point may take the place of aspecific hard mounted button or switch. A power trace may comprise oneor more than one component known to one of skill in the art or hereafterdevised such as 1) an electrically conductively media (electricallyconductive ink), an additive, or a material embedded in, on, or around atextile fibers within an intelligent apparel, a fiber optic such as viaone or more of a core, dye, nano configuration, resin, spray, thread, orvia such other manufacturing and/or deposition application such asembossing, heat transfer, pressing, screen printing, sublimation,weaving, working alone or in conjunction with or via 2) a topicalconductive component added, affixed, or sewn onto the intelligentgarment including but not limited to carbon fiber, flex film a moldedpart, nano tubes, a printed circuit board, a rigid material, etc.material, and/or 3) working wired material (such as a material known toone of skill in the art) and a harness such as a carbon fibers or thelike, which may be produced directly onto the intelligent apparel,applied via digital or direct print, or produced on a substrate (such asin the form of a transfer sheet or the like), and applied to theintelligent apparel via, for example, an industry acceptable mechanismsuch as a heat transfers, a sonic welds, or a method known by thoseskilled in the art. In some embodiments, a transfer may be electricallytested prior to being placed on an intelligent apparel item. Suchtesting may allow higher quality or less expensive intelligent wearmanufacture since only good-quality transfers (e.g. electrical traces)will be transferred onto a garment; garments will not be rendereduseless by a defective trace. A trace may additionally comprise anadhesive or glue which may be solidified to create a trace or may beuseful for holding a trace onto a garment.

In addition to a power functionality and a communication functionality,a power traces can be designed in such a way so as to create a heatpanel within the apparel. For example, when working in combination witha phase change material, a power traces can be used to regulate and holda hot or cold environment within the apparel. Such a power trace mayfurther work with a sensor, such as a thermostat, to create a furtherpersonal environmental control or to respond to a sensor input with anapplication of heat or cold to a specific location(s) within or on theintelligent apparel.

An intelligent garment or apparel system may include one or more thanone intelligent sensor. A “power trace” (such as described elsewhere inthe disclosure) may be used to supply power to a printed and/or physicalsensor and/or a detector array strategically located on the apparel(“intelligent sensor”). Such a sensor may include a sensor that is notself-powered. Such a sensor may be configured to measure any of a hostof physiological properties of the intelligent wear user that includebut are not limited to, 1). Heart rate, 2). Respiratory rate, 3).Inspiratory time, 4). Expiratory time, 5). Tidal volume, 6). Rib cagecontribution to tidal volume, 7). Abdominal contribution to tidalvolume, 8). Perspiration, 9). Pulse, 10). Moisture, 11). Humidity, 12).Elongation, 13). Stress, 14). Glucose Levels, 15). pH balance, 16).Resistance, 17). Wear, 18). Motion, 19). Temperature, 20). Impact, 21).Speed, 22). Cadence, 23). Proximity, 24). Flexibility, 25). Movement,26). Velocity, 27). Acceleration, 28). Posture, 29). Relative motionbetween limbs and trunk, 30). Location, 31). Specific responses orreactions to a transdermal activation. 32). Electrical activity of thebrain (EEG) such as in multiple sites, 33). Electrical activity ofmultiple muscles (surface EMG), 34). Arterial oxygen saturation, 35).Muscle and tissue oxygenation in multiple sites, 36). Oxyhemoglobinand/or deoxyhemoglobin concentration in multiple sites. Such a“intelligent sensor” may communicate with a smart module via wired ornow known long range, medium range, and/or short range wirelessapplication and communication protocols that include but are not limitedto Bluetooth, FTP, GSM, Internet, IR, LAN, Near Field, RF, WAP, WiMAX,WLAN, WPAN, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ultra Low Frequency, or hereafterdevised wireless data communication systems, versions, and protocols forpower and data communication and distribution; and may allow for all (ormany) of the systems to work alone or together, and may be reversecompatible.

In some embodiments, by combining data from the sensors with input datafrom the intelligent wear user, and with the additional input from a 3rdparty, the intelligent wear system can build or continue to build aportfolio of knowledge on the intelligent wear user, including, but notlimited to, for example, “likes” and “dislikes”, allergies and otherpossible negative responses to a stimulus, an associated biometricfeedback from such a reaction, and the ability to send an emergency callor Short Message Service (SMS) to others when the intelligent wear useris in distress from such a reaction.

Additionally, based upon the user's experience, the process may initiateordering/shopping from the user directly to a producer/supplier locationor site.

An intelligent wear system according to the disclosure may includeproviding, developing and/or creating software applications, mobiledevice applications, and hardware applications; providing, developingand/or creating soft-goods (such as a textile, a fabric, an apparelmerchandise); and/or hard-goods (such as an exercise equipment, wristband, etc.). Such an application may be utilized to create visual, audioand/or tactile effects that may be controllable by the user of suchapplications such as on soft-goods or hard-goods. Such applications maybe used in order to sense, read, analyze, respond, communicate and/orexchange content/data feedback with the user. Any type of communicationprotocol may be used, such as in conjunction with the internet, attachedor separate mobile devices, and other communication tools.

Such utilizing converging technologies (i.e., but not limited toincorporating electronics, software, biometrics),

Specialized location based elements and tracking components, inks, Nanoformulations, conductive materials, component transmitters, analysis andartificial intelligence response software and hardware, receivers, low,no, and high powered sensors, printed speakers, connectors, Bluetoothand USB functions, energy generating elements, medical and wellnesstracking and feedback devices, body movement and efficiencies andmechanisms for tracking and analyzing the same, and other such likeelements, alone or in conjunction with each other may be utilized in anintelligent wear system.

FIGS. 5A-5B show embodiments of intelligent garment items. In aparticular embodiment, FIG. 5A shows a first garment, such as a shirt,configured to be worn on a user's torso while FIG. 5B shows a second (orthird, fourth, fifth, etc.) garment, such as shorts, pants, headgear,etc. electrically connected with the first garment such that the sensormanager and communication system and application platform in the firstgarment manage the sensors from the second garment. FIG. 5A shows anembodiment of an intelligent wear shirt arrangement. Shirt 100 includesa communication system and application platform 101 configured tocontrol communications, such as internal communication (e.g. integral toor within any garment or accessory) and external communication to anexternal communication system 113 (e.g. with a computer, the cloud,etc.). A communication platform may be an electronic system, such as aphone that may be embedded in a garment or may be removable. Acommunication system may include an application platform 101 a (app)configured to process data, a communication device 101 b, such as Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, GPRS, a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS)phone and a sensor 101 c, such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU).FIG. 5A also shows a sensor manager 103 in electronic communication(indicated here and throughout by an arrow) with communications systemand application platform 101. FIG. 5 further shows an interactive sensor104, a body sensor 105 such as a conductive media trace (conductive ink)trace used as an EKG sensor in electronic communication with the sensormanager 103. FIG. 5A also shows a body sensor 107 (e.g. a peripheralsensor such as a tri-axis accelerometer, etc.), a peripheral element 108(such as a speaker, microphone, display, keyboard, switch, camera,illuminating system, etc.) electrically connected with the sensormanager 103 via a (flexible) electrical trace. An intelligent wearmodule (module, SWM) may house electronics and a microprocessor(s)configured to operate an intelligent wear garment or intelligent wearsystem (including any intelligent accessories) may include acommunication and application system 101, a sensor manager 103 andoptionally a sensor 105. In some embodiments, such a module may comprisea housing configured to be easily removed (e.g. in one piece). FIG. 5Aalso shows power distribution system 102, which may be useful forsupplying power to the communication system, sensor manager, sensors,peripherals, etc. Such a power supply may be part of the module or maybe separate from it and may supply power through a trace 106. Such apower supply may supply power to the first garment as well as to thesecond or additional garments or electrically connected intelligent wearitems. FIG. 5A also shows an actuator 109 on the shirt in electricallycontact with and controlled by the intelligent wear module. FIG. 5A alsoshows a light system including a light sensor 110 such as photodiode, aphototransistor, a photo-resistor, etc., an optical source 111 and anoptical fiber 112 (or bundle of optical fibers) in electricalconnection. FIG. 5B shows a second (or third, fourth, fifth, etc.)garment, such as shorts, pants, headgear, etc. electrically connectedwith the first garment, including an interactive sensor 114, a bodysensor 115 (such as an EMG sensor), which may comprise a conductivemedia trace (conductive ink) trace 116. FIG. 5B also shows a body sensor117 (e.g. a peripheral sensor such as a tri-axis accelerometer, etc.).FIG. 5B also shows a light system including a light sensor 120 such asphotodiode, a phototransistor, a photo-resistor, etc., an optical source121 and an optical fiber 122 (or bundle of optical fibers) in electricalconnection.

FIGS. 6A-E how various embodiments of an intelligent garment systemcomprising flexible apparel configured to continuously conform to auser's body when the garment is worn by the user. The garments include aplurality of body sensors. Each body sensor generates a body sensorsignal based on a user's body status or user's characteristic such as auser's position, a user's movement, or a user's physiological status. Aplurality of body sensor signals are sent to a sensor module where asensor board (FIG. 6E) on the module obtains the body sensor signals andthe module processes the signals to generate an output. Various outputscan be generated.

In some embodiments, an intelligent apparel item and any accessories maybe designed to allow a user to express themselves by transforming auser's biometric data into a specific expression or experience. Such anexpression or experience may vary depending, for example, on a) thespecific garment (and accessories) and b) the particular algorithm andcommunication provided by the smart module.

Varying levels of complexity of physiological signals may be utilized inorder to transform a user's biometric data into a specific expression orexperience. A particular garment may determine the accuracy and varyinglevel of complexity of the biometric physiological signals to be usedfor an assessment, e.g., such as for communicating feedback related torelaxation level and posture alignment for performing yoga, movement fordancing, movement precision for gymnasts, etc. For example, a leotard(i.e. a dancer's one-piece full body compression garment incorporatingfull leggings, socks, shirt with long sleeves, gloves and ahood/balaclava), may provide more accuracy then would a T-shirt or apolo shirt alone because it can cover the entire body of the user with amaximum number sensors and actuators. In one embodiment, a ‘full bodyleotard’ has 19 accelerometers: one on each shoulders and hip (4), oneof each knee and elbow (4), one on each hand (extensor indices) (2), oneon each foot (on the hallux) (2), one on each ankle (2), one on eachwrist (2), and one on the neck (rear) (1), one on the chin (1) and onethe upper parietal bone (1). Such a garment may other types of sensors,including but are not limited to, a heart-rate monitoring sensor (e.g.,in direct contact with the skin); thoraco-abdominal respiratory motionsensor; a skin conductance sensor (e.g., in direct contact to the skin).Such sensors may be connected through power traces to a sensor module,such as one incorporated into the garment between the scapulae. Aninteractive sensor (touch points) (from 1 to 10 or more than 10 sensors)may be located on the front of the chest, shoulders, legs and otherparts of the body. By activating an interactive sensor(s) (touch points)the user is able to send a command to the module. A command can beanything, such as calling a friend, sending a message, etc. A user maychose a particular garment based on the type of expression or experiencethey are in the mood for or may chose a particular program or algorithmof interest on a garment comprising a plurality of programs oralgorithms.

An intelligent wear module may host various types of software forimplementing various algorithms to evaluate and process each expressionor experience such as experiences and expressions described below andelsewhere in the disclosure. Such software and algorithms may beregularly updated and downloaded to a module, such as through aspecifically developed updating software. Biometric data such asphysiological signals may be collected by a sensor manager which may belocated in the intelligent wear module and then sent to the intelligentwear module. Such signals (or signals processed by the intelligent wearmodule) may be sent to the cloud by any modality, including but notlimited to real-time communication. An intelligent wear module (sensormanagement system) may also process and evaluate if a user's movements,posture, etc. are correct or as desired. Such a module may providefeedback to the user, for example by utilizing a specific software tocommunicate or provide a coded signal to a haptic or other type ofactivator ((e.g. for a vibration to an actuator) to the user. Such afeedback may be controlled, for example, via an open-loop feedbacksystem or via a closed-loop feedback system.

A few non-limiting embodiments are described herein by way of example.FIG. 6A shows a “Sound of Action” garment system configured to transforma user's movement (and physiological state) into music (e.g. a musicalexpression of the user's state). FIG. 6A shows a sound of action shirt130 with an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor on either side of the frontof the shirt to sense the user's heart rate. An ECG sensor may be incontact with a user's skin in order to sense a heart rate. The sound ofaction shirt 130 has accelerometers on the shirt sleeve (A1, A2) and thesound of action pants 132 has accelerometers (A3, A4) on the pants legs,and the sensor module comprises an accelerometer A0. Such a sensor maysense the user's position or the user's motion. Any type ofaccelerometer may be used (e.g., a tri-axis accelerometer, an inertialmeasurement unit (IMU)) and may be configured to measure anyparameter(s) to determine user motion or infer user motion (e.g. anaccelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, etc.). The body sensorsignals may be sent to the sensor module which records the data (e.g.the user's heart rate and the user's movement). Rather than tellinganother person how they feel, a user may communicate to them theirbiometric data; thus rather than provide an interpretation of thereality, they express true, objective facts. In some embodiments, themodule may transform the data into audio feedback, visual feedback, ortouch feedback based on the data. Such feedback may be used by the useror may be shared with others. In some embodiments, the data is convertedinto music based on the body sensor signals. In some embodiments, a usercan play the music through an audio output (such as speakers which maybe anywhere including on the module, earphones, etc. as describedelsewhere in this application). A user may allow feedback to be accessedby others (e.g., a friend(s), a loved one(s)), which may allow the otheraccess to a user's inner feelings. In some embodiments, a user canupload the music to a webpage (e.g. a specific, protected intelligentwear webpage). In some embodiments, a user can send (share) the musicwith a friend(s). A user can choose a type of music they prefer (such ase.g. classical, country, disco, electronic, hip-hop, jazz, modern folk,pop, rap, rock, etc.). The user can control any other aspects of musicgeneration (such as, e.g., dynamics, tempo, etc.).

As shown, the action shirt has interactive sensors (touch points). Thetouch points may are configured to control various aspects of a garmentsystem, including but not limited to controls (e.g. bass, dynamicson/off, volume, etc.) on or to a music playing device (earphones,speakers) or controls on a communication system (e.g. texting, webpageupload, etc.)

One aspect of the invention provides a method of providing feedback forencouraging behavior modification comprising: conforming a conformablegarment to the torso of an individual, the conformable garmentcomprising a plurality of body sensors configured to conform to thetorso; sensing a plurality of signals from the individual's body withthe plurality of body sensors; communicating the plurality of signals toa sensor module attached to the garment; processing the plurality ofsignals with a processor in a sensor module attached to the garment togenerate an output signal; converting the output signal into a feedbackoutput wherein the feedback output comprises a haptic feedback; anddelivering the haptic feedback to the individual to thereby encouragethe individual to modify a behavior. In some embodiments, the hapticfeedback comprises delivering a vibration to the individual to encouragethe individual to change a position, such as a body position, a limbposition, a head position, a joint position, or a neck position.

FIG. 6B shows a “Body Alignment” garment system configured to provide(immediate) feedback on a user's body posture and alignment so that theuser may correct a body position or alignment. Similar to the “Sound ofaction” shirt above, the alignment shirt 132 has an electrocardiogram(ECG) sensor on either side of the front of the shirt to sense theuser's heart rate and accelerometers (A1, A2) on the shirtsleeves, onthe torso of the shirt (A5, A6), on the pants legs (A3, A4) and on thesensor module (A0). An alignment shirt 132 has a first strain gauge SG1on a first sleeve and a second strain gauge SG2 on a second sleeve andstrain gauges (SG3, SG4) on the pants. Such a strain gauge may comprisea flexible and/or variable resistive media configured to measuremovement, such as bending or rotation of an arm or leg around an elbowor knee. The alignment shirt may include an electromyography (EMG)sensor. Such a sensor may comprise a conductive electrode for measuringa level of muscle activity. A pre-amplifier and/or amplifier may beconnected with the EMG sensor, which may be useful for boosting arelatively weak EMG signal. Similar to the “Sound of action” shirt, thealignment shirt 32 has interactive sensors (touch points) that may beconfigured and used as described elsewhere in the application. In orderto detect respiration (such as the frequency of breathing, the depth ofbreathing, etc.), the body alignment shirt also includes a firstrespiration sensor RESP1 that spirals around the chest (rib cage) and asecond respiration sensor RESP2 that spirals around the abdomen. Anytype of respiration sensors may be used. In one embodiment, arespiration sensor comprises a strain gauge, such as a conductive straingauge configured to change a level of conductance in response to achange in strain gauge length (e.g. stretching based the user's bodystretching). Body sensors gain data from the body and send the data tothe sensor module, the sensor module processes the response, the sensormodule compares the response with a standard (or with a previousmeasurement), the sensor module elaborates the response, the sensormodule provides feedback and a haptic actuator(s) acts on a portion(s)of the body that is different from the standard (or a previousmeasurement) such as by providing a vibration. The body sensors maycontinue to send data and as the user adjusts (corrects) a position of aportion of the body, and the sensor module processes the data, thesensor module may be configured to stop the haptic actuator fromvibrating (e.g. to stop sending a signal to vibrate).

A specific positioning of accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetoscopesand/or other sensors may provide data from a user on the (precise)movements of a user (e.g. an athlete, a patient, a yogi, etc.). Suchmovements may be used to determine the (precise) optimal execution oftheir movements in order to maximize the proper optimization of theirbodies. Such optimization may be calculated by taking in considerationone or more factors (such as activity, age, body alignment, bodystructure, body weight, environment, gender, health, skeletal structure,time of the day, etc.). Use of the module for body optimization mayinclude the steps of calculating (in real time) the variance between theuser's actual movements with an optimal movement and providing (realtime) feedback such as through a haptic actuators or other technology tosuggest the proper movement, the proper sport stroke or movementexecution, the proper body alignment or posture, etc. The varioussensors gain data from the body and send the data to the sensormanagement system. The sensor management system may elaborate theresponse and provide a feedback, such as a vibrating effect configuredto act on those portions of the body that are OFF from the correctpattern or position. In some embodiments, as or after the user adjuststheir movement to perform the correct execution, the actuators mayreduce the vibration feedback until reaching no (0) vibration when theproper movement is finally executed. In some embodiments, a feedback maybe delivered to the user for a certain time period and then turn itselfoff, and the cycle may be repeated until an acceptable user position oruser movement is sensed by the sensors. In some embodiments, a libraryof training sessions for activities, exercises, postures etc. may beavailable on an intelligent wear module or may be downloaded able from awebsite. A user, may for example, download one, two, three, four, fiveor more than five of the movement optimization system modules orprograms configured for improving execution of one or more athletic,sports, or other performances.

A movement optimization system may also promote correct body posture inany way. For example, a haptic (vibrating) response can help a user tocorrect a bad body position that might potentially cause or lead topotential injuries, and restore the correct balance and alignment. Amovement optimization system may: identify, address and providecorrective action or suggestion for an ache, a pain and/or a limitationssuch as related to (poor) posture alignment; improve, restore and/ormaintain a user's body's (e.g. user's joint, a user's muscle, etc.) fullor possible range of motion; develop and improve body awareness, postureand appearance; prevent pain and/or further degeneration such as muscledegeneration or joint degeneration; prevent or help prevent are-occurrence of a repetitive injury or reduce the severity of an injuryre-occurrence; relax a user's body such as through a haptic massageeffect and/or with audio input (e.g. sounds such as bird sounds, music,rain sound, waterfall sound, white noise, other sounds); identify,stimulate and/or treat a pressure point (e.g. an acupuncture point, anacupressure point, a muscle knot, a nerve point, anywhere in the bodysuch as in the arm, back, feet, head, hip, leg, shoulder, etc.;identify, stimulate and/or treat an inflammation or other warm area; asimilar (or the same) experience model may be replicated for different(or for all) programs in which proper posture is significant for theexecution of the activity (ex. yoga, Pilates, stretching, etc.)

An intelligent wear system can guide dynamic expressions through atraining program (such as a haptic activator used to suggest a movementworking in conjunction with vocal commands which may be given orreceived). Such a training program may, for example, be available from adisc, a module, downloadable from a website for a user's personal use,etc.

An intelligent wear system may work real-time in a group setting (e.g. aclass of students) in presence of an instructor. An instructor mayinstruct by: wearing a instruction intelligent device (IID), andproviding guidelines from the IID to the student(s) intelligent garment.Such an instruction may accelerate the student's learning process, forexample, by providing instruction and/or correction. Such an instructionmay be especially helpful in activities with synchronized movements suchas aerobics, Pilates, Step, Zumba, etc. (ex. right leg up, right armsdown, etc.). An instruction may provide instruction through voice and/orindividually customized haptic vibration to every user.

FIG. 6C shows “The Hero's Heart” garment system configured to providefeedback on the user having the fortitude to achieve a high (e.g. thehighest) inner peace during the most strenuous exercise and/or actions.Similar to some other systems described above and elsewhere herein, “TheHero's Heart” garments include accelerometers, ECG sensors, andrespiratory body sensors which gain data from the body and send the datato the sensor module. The sensor module processes the data and providesfeedback. “The Hero's Heart” is the user with a high level of innerpeace (or low stress level) while achieving a level of physicalexertion. For example, the lower the ratio of the two values, the higherthe level of fortitude. A “Hero's Heart” may be a cross-activityexpression in the intelligent wear system community: which may includeusers performing extreme activities, such artistic gymnastics, climbing,Parkour, etc., ranking results from such activities (such as in a singleHero chart), and standardizing such exhausting actions and inner peaceparameters such as by a combined and elaborated “Hero” algorithm.

FIG. 6D shows a “Meditation” garment system configured to provide afeelings-driven melody by detecting the user's psychological andphysiological status. The “Meditation” garment includes ECG sensors,respiration sensors, strain gauges, and touch points as described above,on the “Meditation” shirt. The meditation garment further includes asensor on a first sleeve of the garment and a sensor on a second sleeveof the garment. “Meditation” garment further includes pants to The“Meditation” garment system further includes a “Meditation” cap with anelectroencephalogram sensor (EEG) configured to detect brain waves. Asdescribed above, the body sensor signals from the sensors are sent tothe sensor module. The sensor module processes the data and providesfeedback. As described above, the sensor module is configured to providefeedback such as a feelings-driven melody. The feedback may be used as atraining technique. A user may be taught to improve their health and/orperformance by becoming more aware of, and using biometric signals from,their body. A user may become actively involved in controlling theirinner status. Any type of sensor may be used for an inner checkup. Insome embodiments, a wide variety of sensors work in unison for acomplete inner checkup. Such sensors may include but are not limited tothose described herein or as known in art. In particular, such sensorsmay include: heart rate monitor (to measure heart rate variability);galvanic response sensor (to measure the electrical conductance of theskin and the moisture level; which may be taken as indication ofpsychological and physiological arousal); skin temperature sensor (whichmay be taken as indication of cognitive and emotional states);perspiration sensor (which may be taken to measure relaxation vs.emotional stress and anxiety); electroencephalography (EEG) (which maybe taken to measure addiction, anxiety disorders (includingposttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, worry),attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivitydisorder (ADHD), depression, learning disability, migraine, andgeneralized seizures); blood pressure sensor (which may be taken tomeasure and monitor level of relaxation vs. stress and variations);electromyography (EMG) (which may be taken to measure muscle tensionand/or muscle relaxation vs. neuro-muscular hypertension andoverexertion); breathing rate sensor (to measure relaxation vs. anxiety(relaxation may be taken to correspond so to a lower respiratory rate(slow and deep breathing)); anxiety may be taken to correspond to ahigher respiratory rate (rapid and shallow breathing), etc.

In some embodiments, a significant role may be given to skin conductancewhich increases when a person is more aroused (e.g., engaged, excited,stressed), while it tends to stay low or drop when a person is lessaroused (bored, calm, disengaged).

In some embodiments, based on the tracked sensor data, the anintelligent wear module (sensor manager) may simultaneously convert theuser biometric output (e.g., physiological signals) into a musicalfeedback whose quality (e.g. brightness or depression of the sound,major or minor key, rhythm, speed) changes based on the user'sphysiological and/or psychological changes.

Using feedback as described herein, a user may be able to learn how torely on the power of their mind to improve their overall health and livebetter.

Another aspect of the invention includes an intelligent wear systemconfigured to provide communication between a plurality of individuals,including an intelligent wear garment item user. Instead of, or inaddition to an intelligent garment system providing feedback, such ashaptic feedback or musical expression to an individual, an intelligentgarment system may provide communication between a plurality ofindividuals. In one embodiment, an intelligent wear system may provide acommunication based on an intelligent wear garment user's performance. Asystem may be configured for communicating physiological data from auser (rather than or in addition to communicating a subjectiveinterpretation based on the physiological data). For example, a systemmay be configured to allow a user to set a personal goal, and(automatically) communicate to another individual when they hit theirgoal (e.g. a threshold). Such a communication made be sent to a friendor to a gateway such as a computer or website. Such a process may becontrolled though an intelligent wear application such as on anintelligent wear module. An intelligent wear system may also or insteadbe configured to allow an intelligent wear user to share an audioexpression (a music expression) or a video expression based on theirbody such as through dance, other movements and/or postures. Such anexpression may be created by the intelligent wear system (e.g.intelligent wear module). For example, an application on an intelligentwear module can measure (interpret) a user's performance, such a Parkouruser's performance, while he is developing or training for improved(increased) strength, endurance and balance though a course, such as aParkour course. Such a user may set a goal they want to achieve, and theintelligent wear system may notify a user's friend when the goal is hit.There are common parameters that may help measuring the execution of themoves. Such a goal may be any of the various types of Parkour moves,such as, for example, maximum gravitational defiance, rotational speed,movement speed, time spent off feet, time spent upside down, jumpelevation, distance travelled in the air, time of balance in an extremeenvironments, etc.

In some embodiments, an intelligent wear system may provide acommunication to an individual or to a location available to anindividual or to a group based on an intelligent wear garment user'scultural behavior and/or gestures. A cultural behavior and/or gesturemay be translated into an intelligent input on an intelligent weargarment item. Such a cultural behavior and/or gesture can be adapted tocreate a cultural expression that may initiate a specific command or aninnovative means of communication. Such a command or means ofcommunication may be customizable (such as in an application by theintelligent wear item user). For example, hitting a fist on one's hearttwice and then making the peace sign may be an African-American sign forpeace out, I love you. Such a communication may have roots in AmericanSign Language, meaning “I give you my heart and peace”. A basketballplayer uses this kind of gesture when they score. Applied, for example,to an interactive sensor (touch point) on an intelligent wear shirt, theintelligent wear system may be configured to activate the delivery of amessage to all the player's fans (e.g. automatically and/orinstantaneously) in response to the player making the gesture. ‘I loveyou’ may then appear on a social network, available for close and farfans. In another example, a somersault performed by a soccer playerafter he scores a goal may be recognized by intelligent sensors (e.g.accelerometers) on an intelligent wear garment and may activate thedelivery of a player message such as to fans, friends, offspring, aspouse, etc. In another example, an intelligent wear garment system maydetect using intelligent sensors such as accelerometers on intelligentwear items such as shirts, a gesture, such as a handshake, high-five,first bump, chest bump, hug, etc. between the intelligent wear shirtusers. A gesture-based command in combination with a communicationprotocol (e.g. a standard communication protocol) may result inalternative social communication systems based on recognized culturalbehaviors between intelligent wear users. For example a gesture (such asthose described above) in combination with NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi mayinitiate data sharing. The proximity of the items (e.g. shirts) mayactivate the immediate (e.g. automatic) sharing of personal data orother type of content previously set by the user(s) between the users inresponse to the gesture. Such data or content may go from a first userto a second user and may also go from the second user to the first user.Such data or content may include personal data such as business cardinformation, content sharing such as music, expressions, etc. and/orfriendship functions such as “add friend” or “follow user” features.

In some embodiments, an intelligent wear system may be configured toprovide a communication to an individual (or to a location available toan individual or to a group) based on an intelligent wear garment user'svocal communication (voice). Such a communication may comprise providingimmediate connectivity and message delivery. An intelligent wear usermay for example, activate (or receive) a call, send (or receive) an SMS,send (or receive) an email, and/or share an instant messages through anintelligent wear platform and a social network (such as Facebook,Twitter, etc.) even while engaging in an activity such as playingtennis, climbing a mountain, running, riding a bicycle, driving a car,etc. Such a communication may be activated via voice recognition and avoice-to-text feature may allow instant creation and sharing of messageson social networks even without typing. (In addition to providing ahands-free option for a user engaged in an activity, a voice recognitionmay be faster than text message. Voice recognition is considered eighttimes faster than text messaging).

In some embodiments, an intelligent wear system may be configured toleave audio content and/or other messages in a specific location. Insome embodiments, an intelligent wear system may be configured to benotified that audio content and/or other messages are available to anintelligent wear system user as they enter a designated area. Such audiocontent and/or messages may be from an intelligent wear user to others,such as ‘a friend to friends’, “an intelligent wear system applicationor website to users’, ‘third parties to users’, ‘users to intelligentwear system application or website’, etc. An intelligent wear systemuser may be notified through any means, such as audio, haptic, and/orvisual notification as they enter a designated area. For example, one ormore fans can share a team anthem with other fans at a stadium to playthe anthem simultaneously (such as via a synchronization feature, or tosynchronize wave-type). In another example, street dancers using anintelligent wear system can exchange musical bases for theirperformances based on locations, such as hip-hop bases in which a groupof break dancers may perform.

In some embodiments, an intelligent wear system (e.g. an ExpressionsCrowd-Sourcing open platform such as an expression crowd-sourcing openplatform) may offer an advanced social tool for crowd-sourcing andsharing. Using such a social tool, a user may be able to upload/downloada library of expressions, such as in the form of biometric formulas(software) and/or videos and/or supported by an audio input. Such anexpression may be, but is not limited to, a training session (such as,e.g., for Pilates, tennis yoga, etc.), a cultural dance, a bodyalignment instruction, an extreme body posture instruction, an exercise,other body moves, etc. A formula may be used for creating an expressionor a library of expressions. A formula may be built for creating such anexpression or a library of expressions. For example, a plurality ofsensors may track an intelligent wear user's execution of an expressionsuch as via a motion detection system. Such a system may automaticallyregister the movements and convert them into a pattern or function (“aformula” or a “built formula”) that retains relevant information aboutthe movement (e.g. balance, positioning, sequence, speed, etc.) Aformula may be sharable with another intelligent wear system user. Sucha formula may be able to adapt to different body shapes andphysiological status, and may include preserving proportions inpostures, movement extension, elevation based on user's height, etc. Auser may obtain (e.g. download) a built formula expression and use it,such as learning to execute the movements (e.g. repeatedly, such as veryaccurately). A formula (e.g. an expression formula) may include traininginputs such as haptic feedback that can be activated during the user'sexecution of the movements. Sensors on the user's intelligent wearsystem may gain data from the user's body (e.g. movements) and send themto the module. Such a module may (immediately) elaborate a response andprovide the intelligent wear/formula user feedback based on the formula.For example, a vibrating effect may act on a portion of the user's bodythat are OFF the proper alignment or zone. As the user adjusts theposition and enters the proper alignment or the right zone, an actuatormay stop the vibration to indicate that the user is engaging in thecorrect movement.

Depending on the type of activity, an intelligent wear system can alsoguide dynamic expressions through haptic activators that suggestparticular movements. Such an expression may work in conjunction with(e.g. be controllable by a vocal command).

Such a training program may also work real-time in the presence of aninstructor, who may wear a ‘leading’ intelligent garment item that mayprovide guidelines to a class of students wearing ‘receiver’ intelligentwear items. Such an instruction may enhance the teaching process and actto create synchronized movements such as in aerobics, step, Zumba,Pilates, etc. (for example, right leg up, right arm down, etc.).

Another aspect of the invention comprises a flexible garment configuredto continuously conform to a user's body when the garment is worn by theuser, the garment comprising: a body sensor on the garment configured tosense one of a user's position, a user's movement, and a user'sphysiological status and thereby generate a body sensor signal; aconductive trace on the garment, connected with the sensor andconfigured to communicate the body sensor signal from the body sensor toa sensor module for analysis; and an interactive sensor on the garmentconfigured to transmit an interactive sensor signal to the sensor modulewhen the user's hand activates the interactive sensor wherein the sensormodule is configured to control an audio output and/or a visual outputin response to the interactive sensor signal.

In some embodiments, the flexible garment comprises a compressivematerial. In some embodiments the flexible garment is configured toexpand and contract. In some embodiments, a body sensor on the flexiblegarment is configured to be in electrical contact with the user's skin.

One aspect of the invention provides a method of washing a conformablegarment comprising a plurality of sensors, the method comprising:placing a conformable garment comprising a plurality of body sensors anda plurality of interactive sensors attached thereto into an aqueoussolution comprising a cleaning agent; and moving the garment through theaqueous solution and cleaning agent; separating the conformable garmentfrom the aqueous solution and cleaning agent; and drying the conformablegarment.

A conformable garment comprising a plurality of sensors, such as thegarments shown in FIGS. 6A-D, may comprise a body sensor, an interactivesensor (touch point), a conductive trace and/or other featuresconfigured to be sufficiently water and soap resistant so that thegarment may be immersed in an aqueous solution. Such a garment may bewashed using standard washing methods and machines using an aqueoussolution (water) and a cleaning agent such as a detergent. Such agarment may be configured to withstand additional solutions such as afabric softener, a cleaning solution comprising an enzyme configured toclean a garment, or other known cleaning methods. A conformable garmentmay be sufficiently dryer resistant so that exposure of the garment to adryer, such as a conventional clothes dryer, does not damage thesensors, touch points, and/or other features. In one example a sensor, atouch point, and/or other features may be sufficiently sealed to preventwater entry into electrically conductive or other water-sensitiveportions. In another example, an electrically conductive portion of asensor, a touch point, and/or other features may be configured torecover after being exposed to a washing cycle (and a drying cycle). Insome embodiments, a conformable garment comprising a plurality ofsensors, such as the garments shown in FIGS. 6A-D, may comprise a bodysensor, an interactive sensor (touch point), a conductive trace and/orother features configured to be sufficiently chemical resistant so thatthe garment may be immersed in a dry-cleaning solution. (e.g., may beresistant to damage from a dry cleaning process or exposure to a drycleaning reagent.

A garment, such as a shirt, may have a front and a back and may have apocket (e.g. in the back of the shirt) and the pocket may be configuredto hold a sensor module on the back of the shirt.

One aspect of the invention provides a wearable communications devicecomprising: a collar configured to wrap partially around a user's neckand to hold a shape and comprising at least one of a speaker and amicrophone; and a base region connected with the collar and configuredto provide electrical communication between a sensor module and thecollar wherein the sensor module is configured to connect with aconformable garment comprising a plurality of body sensors.

FIG. 7 shows a wearable communication device 172 configured to becontrollable by a sensor module, such as to communicate an audio outputsignal from the sensor module. The audio output signal may comprise asignal to play music, stop playing music, turn on or turn off amicrophone, or control another audio output. Wearable communicationdevice 172 has a collar 170 with a first collar arm 171 and a secondcollar arm 172. Wearable communication device 172 has a sensor moduleconnector 174 is configured to connect with sensor module 176. Wearablecommunication device 172 and/or collar 170 and/or first collar arm 171and/or second collar arm 172 (and any other wearable communicationdevice components or parts) may be sufficient rigid so that a user maygrab such a component or part and use it to place wearable communicationdevice 172 in connection with sensor module 176. Wearable communicationdevice 172 and/or collar 170 may be sufficient rigid so that a user maygrab the base region or collar and use it to place connected sensormodule 176 into a pocket 178 on the back of an intelligent garment. Sucha module may include one or more cables configured to electricallyconnect with the collar (such as on a flap or board). A connectionbetween a module and collar may be easily made, such as by a single jackor other connector. Such a jack may be placed on the higher side of thecollar, such that it allows the neck to bend backwards with little/nointerferences. Earphones 180 (earbuds) may be attached to the baseregion or collar and speakers and/or a microphone may be connected withthe collar (or earphones). In a particular embodiment, a wearablecommunication device may include 2 loudspeakers, a microphone, a phonejack, and 6 switches (power on/off, Wi-Fi on/off, Bluetooth on/off,microphone on/off, speaker volume, and microphone volume).

In some embodiments of a flexible garment, a conductive trace (forexample to connect a body sensor or touch point to a sensor module) isconfigured to conform to the user's body when the flexible garment isworn by the user. In some embodiments of a flexible garment, theconductive trace is on a surface of the garment.

FIGS. 8A-8B and FIGS. 9A-B shows the front side, and back side,respectively of a flexible intelligent wear garment configured to outputan output signal to a phone, computer, the cloud, etc. as describedelsewhere in this application. Body sensor 190 a, such as a heart ratesensor is connected by flexible trace 192 to sensor module 196 on theback of the shirt. A second body sensor 190 b, such as another heartrate sensor, may also be connected (such as from the oppositedirection). FIGS. 9A-B show a first respiratory sensor 198 on a garmentand configured to wrap (e.g. annularly) around a user's rib cage when onthe garment is on a user. FIG. 9B also shows a second respiratory sensor200 on a garment and configured to wrap (e.g. annularly) around a user'sabdomen when the garment is on a user. First respiratory sensor 198 andsecond respiratory sensor 200 are connected with sensor module 196 witha conductive media. In some embodiments, a garment has a first axis anda second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a trace is configuredto substantially follow the first axis (and not follow the second axis).Manufacturing a garment with an annular trace (e.g. one that isconfigured to wrap around a garment) may be challenging. For example, itmay be difficult to manufacture a 3-dimensional trace onto a2-dimensional substrate (which trace would be electrically testableprior to final garment assembly). It may be difficult to transfer a3-dimensional annular sensor from a substrate to a garment. In someembodiments, a method of manufacturing an intelligent wear garment witha body sensor, such as a respiratory body sensor, may include placing afirst portion of a sensor on a garment and placing a second portion ofthe sensor on the garment such that the second portion overlaps with thefirst portion. In some embodiments, one or both portions may beelectrically tested prior to final garment assembly. In someembodiments, an electrical trace may be manufactured inside a tube or acutaway tube prior to garment assembly. Such a tube may be substantiallystraight or may be substantially curved. In some embodiments, arespiratory sensor may comprise a pattern configured to measure achange, such as a zigzag pattern on a front of a garment. One or two ormore than two such sensors may be present on a garment, such as over therib cage area and over the abdominal area when the garment is beingworn.

Respiratory measurements: External measurement of chest wall surfacemotion can also provide a useful way to estimate pulmonary ventilationand to circumvent the potential problem that may occur when pulmonaryventilation is assessed by integrating the airflow measured at theairway opening by a pneumotachograph. Variations in temperature,humidity, pressure, viscosity and density of gas determine integrationdrift so that changes in absolute lung volume may not be accuratelyrecorded. Other methods, such rebreathing from a spirometer or abag-in-box system, may be difficult to apply for prolonged time periods,while collecting expired gas in a large spirometer or gas tight bag(e.g., a Douglas bag) may cause problems due to the gasometer, which mayrequire intermittent calibration over time and does not allow abreath-by-breath analysis.

In the last decades, a number of devices and methods have been developedin order to allow measurements of rib cage and abdominal motion. Inparallel, several attempts have been made to define calibration methodsable to estimate volume changes of the single lung compartments, of theentire chest wall, and of the lung from measurements from the diameters,circumferences or cross sectional areas, such as the iso-volume method,changing posture (Chadha T S, Watson H, Birch S et al. Validation ofrespiratory inductive plethysmography using different calibrationprocedures. Am Rev Respir Dis 125:644, 1982), and the natural breathingmethod (Sackner, M. A., H. Watson, A. S. Belsito, D. Feinerman, M.Suarez, G. Gonzalez, F. Bizousky, and B. Krieger. Calibration ofrespiratory inductance plethysmography during natural breathing. J.Appl. Physiol. 66: 410-420, 1989). The validity of the calibrationcoefficients obtained experimentally to convert one or two dimensions tovolume is generally limited to the estimation of tidal volume underconditions matched to those during which the calibration was performed(Zimmerman, P. V., S. J. Connellan, H. C. Middleton, M. V. Tabona, M. D.Goldman, and N. Pride. Postural changes in rib cage and abdominalvolume-motion coefficients and their effect on the calibration of arespiratory-inductive plethysmograph. Am. Rev. Respir. Dis. 127:209-214, 1983).

Measurement of diameters: Magnetometers were the first instrumentsdeveloped in the late sixties to measure changing diameters duringbreathing (K. Konno and J. Mead, “Measurement of the separate volumechanges of the rib cage and abdomen during breathing,” J. Appl. Physiol.22(3):407-422, 1967). Two pairs of coils were usually placed on thefront and on the back of the rib cage and abdomen; one coil was used asa generator and the other (‘sensing coil’) was used as a receiver ofmagnetic field. Since the output voltage of the sensing coil isproportional to the intensity of the magnetic field, which variesproportionally with the cube of the distance separating the transmitterand the receiver, a magnetometer is able to record changes in theantero-posterior diameters of the chest wall. This nonlinearrelationship between voltage and distance, however, requires accurateand frequent calibrations. To calibrate the device in order to measuretidal volume and to separate the rib cage and abdominal components, oneapproach requires iso-volume maneuvers to be performed according to thetechnique of Konno and Mead (K. Konno and J. Mead, “Measurement of theseparate volume changes of the rib cage and abdomen during breathing,”J. Appl. Physiol. 22(3):407-422, 1967). Another approach assumes thatspontaneous breathing and its normal variation is sufficient tocalibrate the device, allowing this technique to be applied also withnon-collaborating subjects (Sackner, M. A., H. Watson, A. S. Belsito, D.Feinerman, M. Suarez, G. Gonzalez, F. Bizousky, and B. Krieger.Calibration of respiratory inductance plethysmography during naturalbreathing. J. Appl. Physiol. 66: 410-420, 1989). In addition, themagnetic field recorded by the sensing coil can be influenced bymetallic objects in the surroundings and is therefore difficult to usein certain settings, such as a hospital setting.

An alternative approach which is commercially available, particularlyfor monitoring respiration in infants, is to measure variations of chestdiameters through measurements of transthoracic electrical impedancevariations (V. Gramse, A. De Groote and M. Paiva. Novel Concept for aNoninvasive Cardiopulmonary Monitor for Infants: A Pair of Pajamas withan Integrated Sensor Module. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, Vol. 31,pp. 152-158, 2003). A small amplitude, high-frequency current is appliedthrough a pair of electrodes and the resulting voltage is demodulated toobtain impedance measurements. Some advantages of this technique arethat the electrodes are relatively small, mechanically stable andinexpensive, and can be used to simultaneously record the ECG. However,such electrodes often cause skin irritation in infants and cardiacartifacts are difficult to be separated from a respiratory signal.

Measurement of circumference or cross-sectional areas: Numerous devicesbased on sensing belts positioned on the rib cage and abdomen orwearable garments embedding different kinds of sensors have beenproposed as systems for breathing detection based on chest wall surfacekinematics. Changes in the circumference or in the cross-sectional areaare then usually used to estimate tidal volume and relative rib cage andabdominal contributions to tidal volume and thoraco-abdominalasynchronies. Various sensor technologies can be used in differentsensing belts. Technologies include mechanical transducers, such ascapacitive elastic strain gauges (V. Gramse, A. De Groote and M. Paiva.Novel Concept for a Noninvasive Cardiopulmonary Monitor for Infants: APair of Pajamas with an Integrated Sensor Module. Annals of BiomedicalEngineering, Vol. 31, pp. 152-158, 2003 and piezoelectric films (Pennock1990), ultrasound waves in a rubber tube( ) (Lafortuna and Passerini1995) and optical sensors (fiber optics) (Optical fibers have beenrecently proposed as an alternative method to detect thoracic andabdominal circumferences in non-invasive respiratory monitoring systemsA. Babchenko, B. Khanokh, Y. Shomer, and M. Nitzan, “Fiber optic sensorfor the measurement of respiratory chest circumference changes,” J.Biomed. Opt. 4(2), 224-229, 1999) (D'Angelo et al. 2008). Themacro-bending loss effect in optical fibers arranged in figure-of-eightloops have the advantages of increased linearity of response, higherresolution and sensitivity and lower mechanical resistance andhysteresis. This approach enables measurement of respiratory and cardiacfunction using the same transducing fiber.

Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography (RIP): Respiratory inductiveplethysmography allows measurement of changes of rib cage and abdominalcross sectional areas by two coils of insulated wire sewn inside10-cm-wide elastic bands which are usually placed below the axillaryline and above the umbilicus. The two wires are connected to anoscillator module. The principle of RIP relies on the outputfrequency-modulated signals, which are proportional to variation in theself-inductance of the coil. The self-inductance of the coil is in turnproportional to the cross-sectional area enclosed by the coil, andtherefore it varies as the rib cage and the abdomen expand and contractduring respiration. The oscillatory signals are then sent to ademodulator unit that provides the output signals (Milledge, J. S.,Stott, F. D. Inductive plethysmography—a new respiratory transducer. JPhysiol (Lond) 267:4, 1977.) (25) (26). Recently, RIP has been embeddedin a multi-function wearable device consisting of a Lycra® garment forcontinuous ambulatory monitoring of respiration. The system alsoincorporates ECG and a tri-axial accelerometer (Heilman, K. J., Porges,S. W., 2007. Accuracy of the LifeShirt (VivoMetrics) in the detection ofcardiac rhythms. Biol. Psychol. 75, 300-305.).

Measurement of respiratory volumes: Optical systems. A variety ofoptical techniques using multiple video cameras combined with eitherlight projected on the chest surface or reflective markers positioned onit have been proposed to track the changing shape of thethoraco-abdominal surface during breathing and from this to calculatethe enclosed volume. Optical methods based on structured light toanalyze chest wall movement during breathing have been pioneered byPeacock et al (refs), who firstly introduced a technique for mapping thesize and shape of the thoraco-abdominal wall (Peacock A., Gourlay A. andDenison D. Optical measurement of the change in trunk volume withbreathing. Bull. Eur. Physiopath. Resp. 21: 125-129, 1985; Peacock, A.J., Morgan M. D. L., Gourlay, S., Tourton, C. and Denison, D. M. Opticalmapping of the thoraco-abdominal wall. Thorax. 39: 93-100, 1984). Thiswas achieved by projecting a grid on sheets of light creating contourlines on the visible surface of the torso, recording them by still orvideo camera and reconstructing the shape from the digital information.Knowing the relative positions of the cameras and the projector permitsthe reconstruction of three dimensional data concerning thethoraco-abdominal wall and methods for calculating and cross-sections,surface areas and volumes. In 1986 Saumarez described a similar systembased on a projector shining approximately vertical stripes on the torsoand television cameras scanning with horizontal lines the body. Thesesystems, however, remained confined in few research applications, notincluding exercise, because of the difficult use and the complexity ofthe procedures of data processing. More recent advances in usingstructured light to measure surface topography are nowadays opening newperspectives for the development of more automatic procedures to processthe data and to obtain chest wall surface movement and volume variationsduring breathing. These include color structured light systems (HuijunChen et al. Color structured light system of chest wall motionmeasurement for respiratory volume evaluation. Journal of BiomedicalOptics 15(2), 026013, March/April 2010), in which the projection of anencoded color pattern on the subject's torso and few active markersattached to the trunk allows accurate measurements of 3-D topographicchanges of the chest wall to be obtained and from these total andcompartmental measurements of volume variations with a good level ofautomation in the data processing.

Opto-electronic plethysmography: Opto-electronic plethysmography isbased on a motion analyzer that measures the volume of the chest walland its compartments by means of retro-reflective markers placed on thetrunk of the subject in selected anatomical reference sites of the ribcage and the abdomen. Each camera is equipped with an illuminator(infrared light-emitting diodes) that determines a high contrast betweenthe reflective marker and the rest of the scene on the recorded imagesthus allowing the fully automatic recognition of the markers. If eachmarker is seen by two or more TV cameras, its position (defined by thethree dimensional coordinates) can be calculated bystereo-photogrammetry. The markers are positioned on approximatelyhorizontal rows at the levels of the clavicular line, themanubrio-sternal joint, the nipples, the xiphoid process, the lowercostal margin, the umbilicus and the anterior superior iliac crest.Surface landmarks for the vertical lines are the midlines, both anteriorand posterior axillary lines, the midpoint of the interval between themidline and the anterior axillary line, the midpoint of the intervalbetween the midline and the posterior axillary line, and the midaxillarylines. Extra markers are added bilaterally at the midpoint between thexiphoid and the most lateral portion of the 10th rib and incorresponding posterior positions.

From 3D marker coordinates measured by OEP, kinematics of the chest wallcan be studied considering different parameters at different rib cageand abdominal levels, such as distances (e.g., anteroposterior ormedio-lateral diameters), perimeters (by summing the 3D distances of allthe contiguous markers placed at a given level) and cross-sectionalareas (by summing the areas of the triangles each formed by twocontiguous markers and the baricenter of all the markers positioned at agiven level). OEP allows the measurement of the volume of any parts ofthe trunk by defining closed surfaces with the same method that is usedfor the calculation of the chest wall volume. The geometrical models ofthe compartments that have been developed for OEP volume measurementsfollow the three-compartment model (i.e. RCp, RCa and AB) (Ferrigno G,Carnevali P, Aliverti A, Molteni F, Beulke G and Pedotti A.Three-dimensional Optical Analysis of Chest Wall Motion. J Appl Physiol77(3): 1224-1231, 1994; Cala S J, Kenyon C, Ferrigno G, Carnevali P,Aliverti A, Pedotti A, Macklem P T and Rochester D F. Chest wall andlung volume estimation by optical reflectance motion analysis. J ApplPhysiol 81(6): 2680-2689, 1996). The rib cage is separated from theabdomen by a line that follows the lower costal margin. The subdivisionof the rib cage into RCp and RCa is defined by the transverse section atthe level of the xiphoid (Kenyon C M, Cala S J, Yan S, Aliverti A, ScanoG, Duranti R, Pedotti A and Macklem P T. Rib Cage Mechanics during QuietBreathing and Exercise in Humans. J Appl Physiol 83(4): 1242-1255,1997). Precisely the surface that encloses RCp extends from theclavicles to a line extending transversely at the level of thexiphisternum, while RCa extends from this line to the lower costalmargin. AB extends caudally from the lower costal margin to the level ofthe anterior superior iliac crest (Cala S J, Kenyon C, Ferrigno G,Carnevali P, Aliverti A, Pedotti A, Macklem P T and Rochester D F. Chestwall and lung volume estimation by optical reflectance motion analysis.J Appl Physiol 81(6): 2680-2689, 1996).

A closed surface of the chest wall is identified by connecting thepoints to form a mesh of triangles. In the case of the seated andstanding positions the whole trunk is visible and the volume of thechest wall, internal to the closed surface, can be computed by means ofthe Gauss' theorem (Cala S J, Kenyon C, Ferrigno G, Carnevali P,Aliverti A, Pedotti A, Macklem PT and Rochester D F. Chest wall and lungvolume estimation by optical reflectance motion analysis. J Appl Physiol81(6): 2680-2689, 1996)). When the subject lies in a position withhis/her back supported, the posterior part of the trunk is defined by areference plane defined by the co-ordinates of the markers positionedlaterally on the trunk. Aliverti A, R. Dellacà, P. Pelosi, D. Chiumello,L. Gattinoni and A. Pedotti. Compartmental analysis of breathing in thesupine and prone positions by Opto-Electronic Plethysmography. AnnBiomed Eng 29:60-70, 2001) (Aliverti et al., 2001)

FIGS. 9A-B show two stretchable respiratory measurement rings at thelevel of the rib cage and the abdomen at the torso/trunk useful formeasuring respiratory volume of user. A cross-sectional area of a ring(and the electrical resistance of the ring) changes as an individualbreathes. Such a change in resistance may be measured and used fordetermining a change in circumference. Such a change may be used fordetermining a respiratory volume for an individual. Such rings may bemade, for example, by a conductive media. One step in obtaining arespiratory volume from an individual may be calibrating the signalsobtained from the rib cage.

A flexible garment with a flexible trace may be configured to conformcontinuously to a user's body. FIG. 8C shows a flexible trace, such asthe one shown in FIGS. 8A-B, with a silver conductive core surrounded byan outer insulating layer. A core of a trace may contain any type ofconductive material and an outer layer may contain any type ofinsulating material as along as the resulting trace is able to carry(electrical) signals and/or power. A trace may be a flexible trace or aconformable trace (or both, or neither).

One aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing aflexible compressive garment comprising: placing a first insulatingfluid media onto a substrate, the fluid comprising an adhesive; placinga conductive material on the first insulating fluid media to therebycreate a conductive material electrical trace; solidifying the firstinsulating fluid media to create a first flexible insulator region andthereby generate a flexible transfer comprising a conductive materialelectrical trace wherein the transfer is configured to be removed intactfrom the substrate; removing the transfer from the substrate; placingthe transfer on a flexible compressive garment; attaching the transferto the flexible garment; electrically connecting the transfer to asensor on the flexible garment wherein the transfer is configured to beconnected with a sensor module.

A conductive trace made from a conductive media may be made, forexample, from one or more of a conductive liquid having high resistance,from an insulating media embedding a layer of conductive material, orfrom an insulating media embedding a conductive wire or a conductivecable. Use of such an insulating media may allow a conductive trace tobe, for example, more flexible.

In some embodiments, a conductive trace may be made from a conductivemedia with high resistance. Such a conductive media with high resistancemay be made mixture of a media and ultrafine conductive particles (suchas copper particles). Any concentration of particles may be used. Such aconductive trace may allow a conductivity of the order or hundreds of□□square. Such a conductive trace may have very good extensibility andsoftness. Such a conductive media with high resistance may be used, forexample, for forming an EKG electrode such as in form of plates (such asless than 3 cm, 3-5 cm, or greater than 5 cm diameter) printed in theinner part of a flexible (compression) top (shirt) in correspondence ofthe thorax for heart rate measurements. Such a conductive media withhigh resistance may be used for creating a spirals to go around thechest and the abdomen or in the linear zigzag pattern on the chest andthe abdomen of a flexible top (shirt) to implement a strain gaugesprinted on the outer or inner part of the compression shirt to measurethe variations of circumference of chest/abdomen during breathing. Sucha conductive media with high resistance may be used to create a linearstrain gauge, such as one printed along a sleeve of a garment or a legof a garment and configured to measure the flexion of an arm or a leg.Such a conductive media with high resistance may be used to implement anelectrode in the form of one or more plates. (1-2 cm diameter) Such aplate may be placed in the inner part of a compression shirt. Such aplate may be made in correspondence of the armholes and may beconfigured for performing skin conductance measurements. Such a platemay be less than 1 cm in diameter, from 1 cm to 2 cm in diameter, morethan 2 cm to 3 cm in diameter, or more than 3 cm in diameter. Such aconductive media with high resistance may be used for implementing atouch points in form of plates (e.g. apposed half circles of 3-5 cmdiameter or comb-like patterns) placed in multiple sites on the outerpart of the compression shirt. A good connection between a conductivemedia (ink) with high resistance and other electronics may be made byembedding a wire or a cable having multiple wires between two layers ofa conductive media (ink).

A conductive trace made from a conductive media may be made, for examplefrom an insulating media embedding a layer of conductive material.

FIGS. 10A-B shows a method of manufacturing an insulating media byembedding a layer of a conductive material. Such a media may be madefrom (at least) three layers: a first layer may be made from aninsulating media, a second layer may be made from a conductive media(which may comprise conductive particles or a mixture of insulatingmedia and conductive particles (such as ultrafine copper particles atvery high concentration) and a third layer made from an insulating media(which may comprise the same or a different media as the first layer).These three layers may be deposited during three consecutive phasesduring the printing process. A state of any or all of the layers may bechanged during the manufacturing. For example, any or all of the layers,such as the first insulating layer, the second conductive layer, or thethird insulating layer (or any additional layers) may be made bysolidifying a flexible media, which may include solidifying an adhesive,a glue, a polymer, etc. Solidifying a media may generate a conformabletransfer. The inner layer may allow a conductivity of the order of□□square and may be extensible. Such a media may be used to conductelectrical current to/from a media-based (ink-based) sensor orelectrodes (as described above) and/or to allow easy connections withink-based sensors or electrodes (as described above). A conductive tracemade from a conductive media may be made by embedding a conductive wireor a conductive cable in an insulating media.

A conductive trace may be made by incorporating a conductive materialsuch into a polyimide material (e.g. Kapton® film from DuPont), whichmay be a thin, flexible material. Such conductive traces may beincorporated into a plurality of layers of conductive media (conductiveink). A Kapton® based conductive trace may be manufactured as a“transfer sheet” which may, for example, subsequently be printed onto ashirt to create an intelligent shirt. A Kapton®-based trace may bemanufactured by the steps of providing a substrate; depositing a firstset of conductive ink layers on the substrate; depositing a set ofpolyimide (Kapton®) traces onto the first set of conductive ink layers(e.g. manually, by means of a specifically designed template tofacilitate the process, etc.); depositing a series of conductive inklayers onto the polyimide layer (Kapton® (e.g. by serigraphy); anddepositing an adhesive material onto the conductive ink layers.Additional steps may include the steps of depositing one or more otherconductive media (conductive ink) onto the substrate, depositing one ormore sensors onto the substrate, depositing one or more other conductivemedia (conductive ink) onto a conductive ink layer, depositing one ormore sensors onto a conductive ink layer, depositing one or more otherconductive media (conductive ink) onto a polyimide (Kapton®) layer,and/or depositing one or more sensors onto a polyimide (Kapton®) layer.Such conductive media and/or sensor may be deposited in electricalcontact in the Kapton®-based conductive trace (but not as a layer in thetrace) or may be deposited as a part or layer within the Kapton®-basedconductive trace. Depositing such a conductive media (conductive ink) orsensor may provide the advantage of facilitating the process oftransferring onto the shirt a conductive media (conductive ink) bodysensor, a conductive media (conductive ink) interactive sensor (touchpoint), another conductive media (conductive ink) trace, a Kapton®-basedconductive trace, a part of a flexible Kapton®-pcb (printed circuitboards) that may hold another sensor (such as an accelerometer).Depositing such a conductive media (conductive ink) or sensor onto atrace and transferring the trace including such conductive media(conductive ink) or sensor may provide the advantage of allowing anelectrical signal, a power supply, and/or a ground signal to be broughtto/from a sensor, to/from a sensor amplifier, to/from a power supply,and/or to/from part of a conductive ink used as a sensor (e.g. parts ofconductive ink in contact with a user's skin and useful for detecting,for example, an ECG signal, an EMG signal, skin conductance, and/orconductive ink used as an interactive sensor (touch point). A trace maybe, for example, less than 0.03 mm, between 0.03 to 0.1 mm, between 0.1mm to 0.3 mm, between 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, or greater than 0.5 mm inthickness.

In some embodiments, a conductive wire or a conductive cable may beembedded in an insulating media (insulating ink) to form a conductivetrace. Such an insulating media may comprise three parts (which will bedescribed for simplicity as three layers): a first layer made from aninsulating ink, a conductive wire (or a cable comprising multipleconductive wires), and a second layer made from a second insulating ink,which second insulating ink may be the same or a different insulatingink as used in the first layer. The steps of the printing process mayinclude: depositing the first insulating layer onto a print support;positioning the conductive wire/cable onto the first layer; securing theconductive wire/cable on the print support; printing the secondinsulating layer; and leaving (only) the terminal parts of thewire/cable outside of the insulating ink. Such a wire/cable allows forconductivity. Such a conductive trace may be manufactured on a firstsurface and transferred to a second surface, such as an intelligent weargarment item. Such a transfer may include generating a trace inside aseam, such as on an intelligent wear garment. Such a seam may be made,for example, by welding a trace between two layers of fabric, by bondingthe fabric (such as with a chemical or heat). In some embodiments, sucha conductive trace may have extensibility. In some embodiments, such aconductive trace may lack extensibility. Such a conductive trace may beused, for example, to bring a sensor condition and/or a power supply toa sensor or to an electrode (e.g. accelerometers, temperature sensor,etc.) so that a sensor and/or power supply may be placed in any locationon the shirt (e.g. on the arms); or it may be used to bring anelectrical signal (e.g., variable current or voltage) from a sensor orelectrode (e.g. an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, etc.) placed inany location on the shirt (e.g. on the arms) to the smart module.

In some embodiments, an intelligent wear garment item may include aninteractive sensor system, including an interactive sensor (touchpoint). Such an interactive sensor may be any type that allows a user totrigger a response, such as by proximity, by a touch, or by a voicecommand. An interactive sensor may, for example, comprise, a resistivetouch point, a direct contact capacitive touch point, or a contactlesstouch points (through an outer garment). FIGS. 11A-B show touch points.A resistive touch point may be created, for example, by printing a plateof conductive media (ink), such as one which is formed by two apposednon-connected regions such as circles or in a comb-like pattern. By asimultaneous contact of the half-parts, the touch point (formed by thetwo apposed half parts) is closed to complete an electrical circuit isand a small electrical current is allowed to flow. Such a current may begenerated by a voltage generator (such as one internal to a smartmodule). Such a current may travel from (or to) a smart module to atouch point via as a connecting trace such as one formed by a conductiveink media as described above). A plurality of such touch points may beplaced in multiple sites on an intelligent wear garment item, such as onthe outer part of the compression shirt. A touch point may include anyshape and any size so long as a user is able to interact with it togenerate an interactive sensor signal. In some embodiments, an apposednon-connected region may be less than 1 cm, from 1 cm to less than 3 cm,from 3 cm to less than 5 cm, from 5 cm to less than 7 cm, or may begreater than 7 cm in a longest dimension (such as a diameter).

An interactive sensor may comprise a capacitive touch point. Such acapacitive touch points may be created in any way. FIG. 12A shows adirect capacitive touch point and FIG. 12B shows a capacitive touchpoint that may work by proximity (e.g. a signal that may be travelthrough an outer garment such as by a finger coming close to the touchpoint). A capacitive touch point may be created, for example, byprinting three layers of material: a first layer comprises a firstconductive ink; a second layer comprises an insulating ink; and a thirdlayer comprises a conductive ink, which ink may comprise the samecomposition or a different composition from the first conductive ink.The first layer may be connected through a conductive ink (such as aconductive material in an insulating ink) to an electrical groundsignal. The third layer comprises a ‘sensing’ region (or plate) fortouching. Between the first (receiver) layer and the third (transmitter)layer an electric field is formed. Most of the field is concentratedbetween these two layers. However, a fringe electric field extends fromthe transmitter, out of the receiver, and terminates back at thereceiver. The field strength at the receiver is measured by properelectronics. The electrical environment changes in response to astimulus, such as when a human hand/finger invades the fringe field anda portion of the electric field is shunted to ground instead ofterminating at the receiver. The resultant decrease in capacitance canbe detected by proper electronics.

A peripheral sensor (e.g. a sensor that is not part of the module suchas a body sensor or interactive sensor, which sensors may be, forexample an ink-based sensor or a traditional sensors, such as oneimplemented by an integrated circuit soldered on a rigid or flexibleprinted circuit board (PCBs)) may be connected to the smart module inany way. Such a connection may be, for example, made by a wire and/or acable. Such a wire and/or cable may be fixed on the garment in any way,such as, for example, by: a) insulating ink embedding a conductive wireor a conductive cable (see description above) or by b) embedding a wireand/or a cable into a welded seam or into a seamless weld (e.g. may besmooth without an obvious join or seam), etc. A method of making aseamless weld with a trace may include overlapping two fabric portions,such as a compression polyester fabric, inserting a trace (e.g. such asa wire or cable) between the overlap and welding the fabric to connectthe two fabric portions and thereby contain the trace inside the weld. Aweld may be performed in any way, such as using heat to join the twofabric portions.

FIGS. 13A-B show an external view (FIG. 13A) of the outside and aninternal view (FIG. 13B) of the inside of an embodiment of anintelligent wear shirt 202 with a plurality of body sensors, interactivesensors, connective traces and a collar useful for connecting andcommunicating between the front and back of the intelligent wear garmentor intelligent wear system. Shirt 202 is configured to measurerespiration using a two-part sensor system to measure both thoracicrespiration using thoracic respiratory sensor 204 and abdominalrespiration using abdominal respiratory sensor 206. The respiratorysensors may work such as described elsewhere in the disclosure or asknown in the art, and provide sensor data from either or from bothsensors to the sensor module. The data generated by the sensors may beintegrated (by the sensor manager) to generate the user's totalrespiratory volume. The respiratory sensors in FIG. 13A utilize commonrespiratory ground 208 (which may be any sort of trace, such as aconductive trace as described herein) which grounds abdominalrespiratory sensor 210 through abdominal respiratory sensor ground 214to common respiratory ground 208. Such a common ground may reduce theamount of conductive trace material required (and associated materialand manufacturing costs). As a conductive trace may be less extendibleor less flexible than the extendibility or flexibility of a conformablegarment, use of a common ground trace may also increase the garmentcomfort relative to having separate ground traces. Body signals fromthoracic respiratory sensor 204 and abdominal respiratory sensor 210travel, respectively, via thoracic respiratory sensor connector 212 andabdominal respiratory sensor connector 214 to the top of the shirt inwhich a connected trace on either side (which may be a Kapton® connectedtrace running under first interactive sensor external connector 216 andunder second interactive sensor external connector 218) carries thesignal into the collar, which in turn connects with the sensor module inthe back of the shirt. A shirt collar may be more stiff or rigidcompared with other shirt material and the shirt may still be verycomfortable. For example, shirt collars of street apparel are commonlyreinforced in order to render them stiff. A relatively stiff connectortrace or series of traces may run more or less circumferentially aroundthe shirt collar which may allow the connector traces to transfersignals from the front to the back of the shirt with minimal or nounwanted shirt stiffness or discomfort. For example, the traces may runthrough the collar rather than over the shoulder. FIGS. 13A-B also showthat a plurality of connector traces may be directed to a shirt collar.In the proximity of the collar, a Kapton® trace may be incorporated intothe terminal portion of each or a plurality of such traces (such as bythe method described above). The Kapton®traces from the terminal portionof the traces may be successively inserted into the collar and may bringthe signals (e.g. all the signals) to the back part of the shirt, wherethe terminals of the Kapton® traces may be connected to the intelligentcommunication system/intelligent sensor manager. The collar may alsooutput the traces to the more medial (middle) region of the back of thegarment, which puts the traces in a direct vertical path to the sensormodule in the back of the shirt. FIGS. 13A-13B also show first andsecond interactive sensors useful for generating a user-generated signal(such as described elsewhere) such as by a touch or a proximity of auser's hand. Such an interactive sensor may have two layers separated byan insulator. The insulator may be a material special to the sensor orthe insulator may be part of the shirt. FIG. 13B shows first externalinteractive sensor 220 and second external interactive sensor 244 on theoutside of the shirt and juxtaposed with first internal interactivesensor 240 and second internal interactive sensor 244 on the inside ofshirt 202 respectively. The internal and external sensors are separatedby a dielectric material (e.g. an insulator), which in this case is theshirt material which has dielectric properties. Such external andinternal sensors may be generated, for example, by separate transfers tothe outside and inside of the shirt, respectively. The use of separatetransfers to the inside and outside of the shirt may be made for anyreason, such as to increase ease of manufacture, reduce material costs,increase flexibility (for example, because the sensors will be thinner),etc. Sensors, such as respiration sensors and interactive sensors, andtheir connectors may comprise conductive media (conductive ink) fordetecting a body signal and for transmitting the signal to the sensormodule. A trace, such as a connector trace (or a plurality of differentconnector traces) may run on a garment in a substantially verticaldirection, but not in a horizontal direction, to allow the garment toexpand in a garment horizontal plane (e.g. “around” the garment'scircumference), but may reduce, inhibit, or prevent garment expansion(extension) in some or all garment vertical planes (e.g. “up and down”).A trace, such as a sensor trace or a connector trace, may run in ahorizontal garment plane or a diagonal garment plane in some instances,so that the trace does not substantially interfere with body movement.FIGS. 13A-B shows common ground 208 and thoracic respiratory sensorconnector 206 and abdominal respiratory sensor connector 212 travellingdiagonally through the shoulder region of the garment. Such an area mayrequire less garment extendibility compared with another region.Alternatively, a diagonal trace may comprise a substantially extendiblematerial. For example, a respiratory sensor and a respiratory connectortrace may be substantially flexible and extendible. FIGS. 13A-B alsoshow first external interactive sensor 220 and second externalinteractive sensor 244 on the outside of the shirt respectivelyconnected with first interactive sensor external connector 216 andsecond interactive sensor external connector 218 (which may be Kapton®traces as described above). First interactive sensor external connector216 and second interactive sensor external connector 218 are configuredto carry the interactive signals into the collar region, to the back ofthe collar region, and to the sensor module on the back of the shirt.Similarly, first internal interactive sensor 240 and second internalinteractive sensor 244 on the inside of shirt 202 are respectivelyconnected with first interactive sensor internal connector 260 andsecond interactive sensor external connector 262 (which may be Kapton®traces as described above) which are configured to carry the interactivesensor signals into the collar region, to the back of the collar region,and to the sensor module on the back of the shirt.

FIGS. 13A-B also show first accelerometer 228 and second accelerometer230 at or near either wrist of the intelligent wear user and carried,respectively by first accelerometer connector trace 231 and secondaccelerometer connector trace 229. Signal from such sensors that arerelatively distant from the sensor module may need to travel arelatively long distance. A longer signal travel distance may mean toomuch signal strength loss. In some embodiments, a connector may includea material configured to carry a signal a relatively further distancewithout losing too much signal strength. Such a material may be, forexample, a material with good dielectric quality and sufficientflexibility. For example, such a material may be a polyimide, such asKapton® (DuPont). Such a trace may travel along, for example a sleeveand may be anywhere along the sleeve, such as in or along a seam or awayfrom the seam. FIG. 13B also shows first heart sensor 220 and secondheart sensor 242 on the inside of shirt 202 that may be useful fordetermining heart rate, such as an electrocardiogram sensor (EKGsensor). Such a position enables the sensors to directly contact theskin to obtain readings, such as electrical readings, from the user'sbody. The sensors are connect with an EKG connector trace 242 to eachother (such as for the reasons described elsewhere herein) and to secondcollar internal connector 262 to send the signal to the collar and ontothe sensor manager on the back of the shirt.

FIGS. 14A-B shows embodiments of shirts with shirt collars configuredfor communicating between the fronts and backs of the shirts. FIG. 14Ashows a V-neck shirt 274 with a V-neck shirt collar while FIG. 14B showsa round-neck shirt 300 with a round-neck shirt collar. Such collarsinclude two layers, an outer layer and an inner layer. One or more thanone conductive trace may be placed (including adhered) between thelayers (or on either surface of either layer). Other shirts may have asingle layer with or without a trace on the external surface or theinternal surface. Other shirts may have a plurality of layers and atrace may be placed anywhere along a layer. V-neck shirt 274 includesV-neck shirt collar 276 with a V-neck shirt collar outer layer 278 and aV-neck shirt collar inner layer 280. The front portion includes holes oneither side of V-neck shirt collar 276. A first side (left side) of thecollar may include a first outer V-neck shirt collar hole 282 in theouter (or external) layer of the fabric and a first inner V-neck shirtcollar hole 284 in the inner (or internal) layer of the fabric. Asshown, first outer V-neck shirt collar hole 282 and the first innerV-neck collar hole 284 shirt collar hole 284 line up so as to create athrough-hole between the layers of fabric. The edges of such holes maybe partially bound (e.g. adhered, sewn, welded, etc.) together. A secondside (right side) of the collar also includes a second outer V-neckshirt collar hole 286 in the outer (or external) layer of the fabric anda second inner V-neck shirt collar hole 288 in the inner (or internal)layer of the fabric. In some embodiments, such holes may be offset fromone another and do not create a through-hole. In some embodiments, agarment may have only an outer hole or a garment may have only an innerhole. In some embodiments, a garment may have one, two, three, four, ormore than four holes in the outer layer, the inner layer, and/or anyintervening layers. Such holes may be useful as a conduit for extendinga trace from a surface of the garment to the internal portion of thecollar for conducting a signal, power, or anything else to/from thecollar. An external hole may be useful for extending an external trace,such as an abdominal respiratory trace 212, from an external front of ashirt into the collar, which trace may then extend to the sensor modulein the back of the shirt. An internal hole may be useful for extendingan internal trace, such as a heart rate trace 242 on an inside front ofa shirt into the collar. FIG. 14A also shows first rear V-neck shirtcollar hole 290 on an external surface of the first (left) side of theshirt collar and second rear V-neck skirt collar hole 292 on an externalsurface the second (right) side of the shirt collar at the back ofV-neck shirt collar 276. Such holes may be useful to extend a trace frominside the collar, down the back of the shirt, and to the sensor module.It is noted that sensor and power may travel in any direction (to/fromor from/to) in any such traces. As shown, the rear collar holes onlyextend through the external (outer) collar layer. In some embodiments, arear collar hole may be in any location and any relative configuration,as described above for the front collar holes. A trace running through acollar region may be any material. As the collar may be more rigidand/or less extensible than other portions of the garment, a trace maybe a relatively rigid trace that may, for example, be a better conductorand reduce signal or power loss. In some embodiments, a trace may be apolyimide material (e.g. Kapton). A trace (e.g. from a front of a shirt)may be connected with the collar region such as by a weld. Two piecesmay be soldered together. A hole may be any size and any shape usefulfor conducting a trace, such as round, oval, square, rectangular,hexagonal, irregular, etc. less than 1 cm in a longest dimension, from 1cm to 2 cm in a longest dimension, from 2 cm to 3 cm in a longestdimension, from 3 cm to 4 cm in a longest dimension, or may be more than4 cm. A garment may have 1 collar hole, 2 collar holes, 3 collar holes,4 collar holes, 5 collar holes, 6 collar holes, or more than 6 collarholes. FIG. 13B shows an embodiment of a round-neck shirt 300 with around-neck collar 302. As described above, round-neck shirt collar 302includes a round-neck shirt collar outer layer 304 and a round-neckshirt collar inner layer 306. The collar includes a first outerround-neck shirt collar hole 308 and a first inner round-neck shirtcollar hole 310 on a first (left) side of the collar and a second outerround-neck shirt collar hole 312 and a first inner round-neck shirtcollar hole 314 on a second (right) side of the collar. The shirt alsoincludes two outer holes on the rear of the collar, a first rearround-neck shirt collar hole 316 and a second rear round-neck collarhole 318. All such holes may have the same configuration, number, etc.as described above. The shirt also includes a rear round-neck shirtcollar seam; the V-neck shirt collar includes both front and rear seams.Garments and collars may have seams as appropriate, e.g. for function orfor aesthetics. A seam may be made for any reason, such for ease inmanufacturing (e.g. to hold two or more portions of fabrics together) orto provide a space (a conduit) for a conductive trace, a sensor module,etc.

FIGS. 15 A-D show different views of a wearable communication device 322that may be used with an intelligent wear garment and may connect with asensor module which may provide inputs (such as what music to play,etc.) to a user of the wearable communication device. Wearablecommunication device 322 includes base region 324, sensor moduleconnector 334, optionally sensor module 336, first collar arm 338 andsecond collar 340.

Example

FIGS. 16A-B show an intelligent wear shirt 364 on a model and worn overstreet clothing 366. The shirt includes a plurality of sensors,including respiration sensor 368 connected to the collar region byrespiration sensor connector 370, sensor 372, and sensor connector. FIG.16B shows data obtained from a respiratory sensor such as the one shownin FIG. 16A during use by an intelligent wear garment user. Thevariation of resistance (due to sensor elongation during breathing) isshown as a function of time. Samples were taken at 100 Hz. Each “1000”mark on the X axis represents one second.

The intelligent wear systems described herein may be used by groupsintelligent wear systems for various purposes.

Bio-competitions: An intelligent wear data system may be configured tocreate a rankings of users (e.g. such as worldwide) based on theirperformances. Such a ranking may categorized by activity. Each user maybe able to challenge other user based on specific activities or data,and gain scores that will position him/her higher in rankings such as inwhen victorious. Such a system may generate an engaging game-likeexperience and response.

As fingerprints can be matched through biometrics, users can search forrandom ‘competitors’ that exactly match their capabilities for a fairchallenge. Example 1: two break-dancers can compete on the number ofhead spins. Example 2: gymnasts can compete in the perfect execution ofa somersault. An intelligent wear data system application maysynchronize the competitors and measure their performancessimultaneously. Challengers may be physically far away one each otherand the intelligent wear data system may be configured to track theresults and elect a winner.

Bio-support to official games: An intelligent wear data system asdescribed herein may track biometrics and sensors used in differenttypes of competitions, such as the official games (e.g. the OlympicGames). An intelligent wear data system as described herein may be usedto approve, determine, and/or track the valid execution of acompetition. For example, an intelligent wear data system may be used tocheck or ensure that runners in a race start at the correct time (e.g.that they don't cheat at the start). In another example, an intelligentwear data system as described herein may indicate violations such as aplayer being offside in a soccer game, etc. An intelligent wear datasystem as described herein may monitor the physiological status of anathlete. Such a monitoring may comprise verifying that an athlete is notdoping, such as in a competition or game such as baseball, bicycling,football, etc. Such monitoring may be performed through a specificsensor, such as a drug detecting sensor. An intelligent wear data systemas described herein may be used for determining objective feedback in acompetition or game. For example, rather than evaluating a gymnast orother athlete through subjective votes based on a judge's personalinterpretation of an execution of an action, an intelligent wear systembiometric analysis may be used to provide or contribute to theevaluation, such as by providing objective and reliable feedback on aperformance, such as balance, body alignment, speed, etc.

Intelligent wear may allow a user to express themselves not only through‘verbal’ communication but also through ‘physical’ communication. Assuch, it may provide an instantaneous sharing of information and ‘facts’while a user ‘action’, and increasing the chances of communicating thetruth (such as a state of mind or state of body) about an individual(e.g. an intelligent wear user). As such, it may represent a thirdcommunication platform (after computers and mobile devices).Communication may be physical in various settings such as follows.Communication may be physical in an ‘orchestra-type’ direction: Suchcommunication may be similar to how musicians can be directed by anorchestra director through the director's physical movements: a groupintelligent wear garment items users may be ‘directed’ (e.g.‘conducted’) into performing a coordinated performance by an intelligentwear system (e.g. an intelligent wear system director). Such a‘direction’ may comprise communicating with each individual user such asthrough the module, the speakers, the headsets, the sensors and/oractivators in the users′ apparel. In addition to conducting music, adirector may also conduct a dance, an expression (e.g. an interpretationor a response to an intelligent wear user's inputs), an athleticactivity or exhibition, a sports activity or exhibition, sport fans′support of their teams, manifestations, celebrations, etc.

A ‘director’ may be able to ‘conduct’ and create music through theusers′ speakers and/or play, chant, and/or speak through them in acoordinated way similar to the way a ‘director’ directs an ‘orchestra’.A ‘director’ may also direct (or control) activators, such as haptic orother activators, in the shirts so as to guide the users into singing,chanting, dancing, moving (such as coordinating a movement such as a‘wave’ or other fans′ expression in a stadium, or simply othergroups/crowd communal expression), performing athletics, etc. A user mayperform (sing, speak, dance, run, plays tennis, etc.) by responding totheir apparel activators′ signals from the director. A director maydirect by communicating/giving a group of users instructions such asthrough a vocal instruction (e.g., through an apparel headsets orspeakers) or a haptic instructions (e.g., through touchfeedback/vibration through an activators in their intelligent garment).A user controls may control certain aspects of a system. A user maychoose to participate (or not participate) in an event by connecting ordisconnecting from the ‘director’. A user may control a volume of thespeakers. Such an ‘orchestra-type’ direction may be used at, forexample, a sporting event, a concert, an exhibition, a political event,a parade, a carnival, a flesh mob, a group celebration, a self-organizedevent, a rally, an inauguration, etc. Similar to a director, an eventorganizers may coordinate large groups (e.g. thousands, hundreds ofthousands) of intelligent wear users (though their apparel). Such agroup may participate in an event by (coordinate) singing, chanting,dancing, emitting light, social networking and/or performing otheractivities in unison. Such coordination of intelligent wear users(though their apparel) may be directed by, for example, an organizer ofa concerts, exhibition, political event, parade, carnival, etc. toprovide (or ensure that) expressions that are in line with the spirit ofthe event they have organized. Such coordination of intelligent wearusers (though their apparel) may be directed by, in a sports event, afans of one of the teams who may ‘direct’ a few, some (or a section/wingof), or all of the fans into a coordinated show support of the team.Such coordination of intelligent wear users (though their apparel) maysuch as in a group celebration, party, self-organized event, be directedby an organizer or by a plurality of participants, such on a rotationschedule, or by the ‘will of the group’ who may direct the participantsinto coordinated expressions, dances, singing, chants, movements,celebrations, screams, etc. The ‘will of the group’ refers to thesynthesis of what the group desires. Such a synthesis, for example, maybe determined by an intelligent garment system algorithm. Suchcoordination of intelligent wear users (though their apparel) at asports events, may include coordinating fans activities such as a)synchronizing speakers (so as to synchronize a chant, formation,shouting a player's name, booing a referee, etc.), or b) synchronizinghaptic vibration codes (1=waves, 2=chant, etc.) which may be adapted tolocal fans' cultural behavior. Such coordination of intelligent wearusers (though their apparel) at a sports events, may includecoordinating an event message such as synchronizing LED displays onfans′ T-shirts to display a stadium message such as, “goooaaalll” or animage such as a flag. A flag image may be created by mapping the fansand using them as ‘human pixels’ in a ‘bleaches screens’.

Another aspect of the invention comprises generating a video outputbased on an intelligent wear garment user's movement. Such a videooutput may include a camera-less video production. Such a video outputmay comprise using an intelligent wear ‘shooting’ apparel item. A videobased on an intelligent wear user may be generated (produced) by thetransformation of body sensor signals (for example, biometric signals).Such body sensor signals may include any signals as described herein oras known in the art, such as measuring a vital sign, measuringpalpitations, measuring or inferring an emotional state, determiningbody movements (which may be determined very precisely), assayingsounds, sighs, and voice comments, etc. of the user. An audio and/orvisual images based on the body sensor signals may be generated. Such anaudio or visual image may be generated without a camera (e.g. without avideo camera) recording or shooting the action. Such biometricmeasurements (body sensor signals) may be taken by an intelligent wear‘video and audio-shooting’ garment through strategically positionedsensors measuring (and representing) biometrics of an intelligent wearuser ‘in action’. Such a garment may be a flexible, conformable garment,such as a flexible, conformable body suit, a leotard, socks, etc. Such agarment may have any of the capabilities, characteristics, elements,features, etc. as described for any intelligent wear garment herein oras known in the art. Any analog sensor data may be transformed intodigital data, such as by a module into the intelligent wear leotard orother garment. Such data may be used in any way to generate video and/oraudio output. A user may generate such an output. A user's biometricsignals may be communicated (e.g. in real-time to the cloud into theusers' intelligent wear page). Any such data may then be translated intoa video and audio output (for example, such as a stream) by transformingthe data into a representation (e.g. which may be an exactrepresentation or may be a stylized representation) of the user's looks(anatomy, features, etc.) and user's voice. Such a transforming may beperformed by ‘applying’ the user's real time movements to a pre-recorded‘avatar’ of the user. A user may choose a ‘look’ of the moment bychoosing/changing the clothing, hair style, skin complexion, etc. of theavatar). In one example, a flexible conformable garment useful forgenerating a video and/or audio output may include a compression shirtwith a (electrically connected) compression balaclava, a (electricallyconnected) compression leggings and (electrically connected) compressionsocks. Sensors that may be particularly useful include a plurality oftri-axial accelerometers (such as, a gyroscope and a magnetometer). Suchsensors may be placed, for example, at positions on (specific) synovial(diarthrosis) joints. Such joints may be particularly useful becausethey are the most common and most movable type of joint in the body of amammal. A ‘video and audio-shooting’ garment may have any type and anynumber of sensors. In a particular example, an ‘video andaudio-shooting’ garment has about 19 accelerometers: one of eachshoulders and hip (4), one on each knee and elbow (4), one each hand(extensor indices) (2), one on each foot (e.g. on the hallux) (2), oneon each ankle (2), one on each wrist (2), one on the neck (rear) (1),one on the chin (1) and one on the upper parietal bone (1). Such agarment may further have a heart-rate sensor, a microphone, arespiration sensor and a skin conductance sensor. Such a sensor may beconnected through a power trace to a module incorporated into thegarment (such as placed between the scapulae). Data and otherinformation may be managed by a sensor management system in the module.Such data and other information may be sent, e.g. by the intelligentwear module, to the cloud in real time.

Another aspect of the invention comprises determining a user's garmentfit by assaying an intelligent wear garment fit. Such a determining maybe used for determining a user's intelligent wear garment fit or fordetermining any other type of garment fit (e.g. length, shape, size,etc.). Such a determining may be performed, for example, by the user ormay be performed remotely. A user's body dimensions and shape may bedetermined from a plurality of body sensor signals from a plurality ofbody sensors on a flexible, conformable, intelligent wear garment itemfitted over a user. Such a garment may have, for example, a plurality ofrings (circles) configured to be placed around the limbs, the torso, thetrunk, the neck, and/or the head. Such a garment may have 1, from 2 to5, from 6 to 10, from 11 to 20, from 21 to 50, or more than 50 suchrings. In a particular example, an intelligent wear garment useful for afitting may have from 2 to 4 rings placed along each leg, from 2 to 4rings places along each leg, each forearm and each upper arm), from 4 to6 rings placed along the trunk and the torso, and 1 ring on the neck.Such intelligent wear fitting apparel may come in a plurality ofdifferent sizes and may be calibrated for different dimensions. A changein an amount of stretching of a ring may be used to determine a user'smeasurement. Such a user may use the information to choose a particulargarment size (or dimension, shape, etc.) or to custom-order a particulargarment size (or dimension or shape) to have a precise fitted, tailormade garment. Such a garment may be an intelligent wear garment or maybe another garment (e.g. non-intelligent wear garment).

An intelligent wear system may fulfill certain user's needs (orderingfood, supplying a beverage, supplying a nutritional supplement,supplying a vitamin, requesting/obtaining a service, providing healthand/or medical support, providing safety analysis and support, etc.) inreal time based on the intelligent wear user's true needs may beevaluated by intelligent wear system algorithms. Such algorithms mayinclude analyzing, assaying, and/or computing a user's biometricsmeasurements (e.g. of age, gender, ethnicity, physiology such as bodystructure, the strength and weakness of their skeleton, jointflexibility, bone and other articulations, organ health), psychologicalstate (mind set, emotional responses, neurologic profile, psychologicalprofile), athletic needs (e.g. a soccer player may need more potassiumthen does a skier), activity (running, climbing, skiing, etc.),spiritual elements (beliefs, religious or spiritual guidelines), needsresponsive to particular time (e.g. time of day), to weather, to aseasons, to a location and to users sensorial and economicalpreferences. A user may see a recommendation (e.g. of what they need)described and evaluated, such as on a personal intelligent wear web pageor communicated to them (e.g. though a module, phone, etc.). Such needsand recommendations may be assayed or determined by algorithmsconfigured to use user measurements and other parameters (such as thosedescribed above). Such an algorithm or an output from such an algorithm(e.g. a recommendation) may be analyzed by an analyst such as aprofessional (e.g. a doctor, a nutritionist, a coach, a trainers, etc.Such a professional may (or may not be) be chosen by the user.

As used herein an apparatus may include a device or a system.

When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” anotherfeature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or elementor intervening features and/or elements may also be present. Incontrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directlyon” another feature or element, there are no intervening features orelements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature orelement is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” toanother feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached orcoupled to the other feature or element or intervening features orelements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element isreferred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or“directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are nointervening features or elements present. Although described or shownwith respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so describedor shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated bythose of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature thatis disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap orunderlie the adjacent feature.

Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may beabbreviated as “/”.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”,“upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in thefigures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements orfeatures. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both anorientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms“upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like are usedherein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicatedotherwise.

Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describevarious features/elements, these features/elements should not be limitedby these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms maybe used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element.Thus, a first feature/element discussed below could be termed a secondfeature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed belowcould be termed a first feature/element without departing from theteachings of the present invention.

As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in theexamples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may beread as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if theterm does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately”may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate thatthe value and/or position described is within a reasonable expectedrange of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may havea value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1%of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (orrange of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10%of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical rangerecited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.

Although various illustrative embodiments are described above, any of anumber of changes may be made to various embodiments without departingfrom the scope of the invention as described by the claims. For example,the order in which various described method steps are performed mayoften be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternativeembodiments one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optionalfeatures of various device and system embodiments may be included insome embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing descriptionis provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not beinterpreted to limit the scope of the invention as it is set forth inthe claims.

The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way ofillustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which thesubject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may beutilized and derived there from, such that structural and logicalsubstitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scopeof this disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter maybe referred to herein individually or collectively by the term“invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarilylimit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventiveconcept, if more than one is, in fact, disclosed. Thus, althoughspecific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the above description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sartorial communications apparatus, theapparatus comprising: a flexible garment comprising a fabric; aplurality of interactive sensors integrated into the garment, eachconfigured to sense a volitional contact by the user and to generate avolitional contact signal when the user manually contacts one or theinteractive sensors; a sensor module interface configured to connect toa sensor module for receiving and analyzing, transmitting or analyzingand transmitting the volitional contact signals; and a plurality ofconductive traces on the garment connecting the interactive sensors tothe sensor module interface.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a plurality of surface regions on the garment, wherein eachsurface region corresponds to a contact surface for one of theinteractive sensors.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of theplurality of surface regions comprise a visual marker on the fabric ofthe garment indicating the location of the interactive sensorcorresponding to the surface region.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein each of the plurality of surface regions is between about 10 mmand about 150 mm in diameter.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one body sensor on the garment configured togenerate a body sensor signal describing one or more of the user'sposition, the user's movement, and the user's physiological status. 6.The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the body sensor comprises one of: anaccelerometer, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, anelectroencephalography sensor (EEG), and a respiratory sensor.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible garment comprises acompression garment configured to continuously conform to a user's bodywhen the garment is worn by the user.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the flexible garment comprises a first axis and a second axisperpendicular to the first axis wherein the garment is configured tostretch in size in the first axis but not to substantially stretch inthe second axis.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the garmentcomprises an undershirt.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thegarment comprises a shirt having a front and a back, further wherein thesensor module interface comprises a pocket configured to hold the sensormodule.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conductive tracecomprises a conductive ink layer on an inner surface of the garment, anouter surface of the garment, or on the inner and outer surfaces of thegarment.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conductive trace isflexible.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a seamenclosing the conductive trace.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe interactive sensor is configured to transmit a first interactivesensor signal when manually activated by a first pattern of contact andto transmit a second interactive sensor signal when manually activatedby a second pattern of contact, wherein the first interactive sensorsignal is different from the second interactive sensor signal.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the interactive sensors are on a front ofthe garment.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interactivesensor is configured to be manually activated by a user through anintervening layer of clothing.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theinteractive sensor comprises a capacitive or an inductive sensor.
 18. Asartorial communications apparatus, the apparatus comprising: anundershirt comprising a fabric; a plurality of interactive sensorsintegrated into the undershirt, each configured to sense a volitionalcontact by the user through an intervening layer of clothing and togenerate a volitional contact signal when the user manually contacts oneor the interactive sensors, wherein the interactive sensors arecapacitive or inductive sensors; a sensor module interface configured toconnect to a sensor module for receiving and analyzing, transmitting oranalyzing and transmitting the volitional contact signals; and aplurality of conductive traces on the garment connecting the interactivesensors to the sensor module interface.
 19. A method of communicatingwith a sartorial communications apparatus, wherein the sartorialcommunications apparatus comprises a garment including an interactivesensor integrated in the garment and connected via an integratedconductive trace with a sensor module, the method comprising: sensingone or more volitional contact signals with the interactive sensor whena user touches the interactive sensor through an intervening layer ofclothing; transmitting the volitional contact signal from theinteractive sensor to the sensor module; and generating or modifying anoutput from the sensor module in response to the volitional contactsignal.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising presenting theoutput from the sensor module in response to the volitional contactsignals.
 21. The method of claim 19, further comprising presenting theoutput, wherein the output comprises an audible signal.
 22. The methodof claim 19, further comprising presenting the output, wherein theoutput comprises a visible signal.